A study from the University of Montana showed that in 2017 Montana youth died at a rate of 23 per 10,000 due to suicide. The fatality of a suicide committed with a fire arm is 90%. Montana’s suicide rate has always been extraordinarily high, even in youth. 

Due to the raise in concerns about this problem, Missoula County Public Schools has started giving out firearm locks to slow access to an armed gun. Risks of suicide in households with guns are 4-10 times higher than a house without guns according to Project Tommorow Montana. For those unaware, a gun lock works by allowing a code to be entered in order for the blocking elements to be released. A gun safe provides a vessel that can only be opened with a specific code. 

This program isn’t only to prevent suicide by firearm, it was brought up earlier this year by Judson Miller after the first lockdown. Children and teenagers more often than not have access to an unprotected firearm. This leads to risks of school shootings as well as suicide.

This access to gun locks will help prevent suicide and firearms brought to school. Both of these issues are very relevant in todays society, but MCPS is especially focused on suicide. Sept. 23 through Oct.r 4 MCPS held their safety campaign where during school hours people could come and pick up a free cable or trigger lock. There was even a raffle for a gun safe. The gun locks were donated by Cabelas.

From what I’ve seen, this program has not been spread to the public enough. There’s been no posters or talk about this which is upsetting considering how important this issue is.

I think that posters and more emails sent out to parents regarding this issue would really bring the situation the publicity that it deserves.