health
This rural California county’s problem is all too common: how to reduce suicides when everyone has a gun
Shasta county has one of the state’s highest rates of suicide and gun ownership. Here’s how locals are trying to combat it
TL;DR
- Shasta County has the highest rates of suicide and gun ownership in California.
- Men constitute three-quarters of suicide deaths in Shasta County, with firearms being the most common method.
- Public health officials in Shasta are focusing on 'means safety' by encouraging safe firearm storage and providing resources like lockboxes.
- The strategy acknowledges the deep cultural significance of gun ownership and the rural population's self-reliant attitude towards mental health.
- Initiatives include free gun safe giveaways and awareness campaigns on city buses.
- Progress is slow, with limited distribution of safes compared to the number of concealed carry permits issued.
- County Supervisor Matt Plummer is implementing a three-phase vision to reduce the suicide rate, focusing on high-risk patients, safety measures, and addressing structural factors like social isolation.
- Efforts are being made to understand suicide patterns through a newly formed suicide fatality review team.