HERE'S HOW YOU CAN GET A FREE GUN SAFE FROM THE VA
Are we doing enough to keep our Veterans safe from suicide? The numbers say no. While there have certainly been growing efforts to help reduce self-harm while also increasing mental health resources, the number of suicides within the Veteran community is still startling. Fortunately, even more efforts are being made to help Vets through the Saving Our Veterans Lives Act. If the bill passes, Veterans can receive a free firearm lockbox, similar to a free gun safe, through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The Saving Our Veterans Lives Act Is Aiming to Provide a Free Gun Safe to Veterans
A bipartisan bill known as the Saving Our Veterans Lives Act was introduced in the House of Representatives. It will provide a free gun safe to Veterans through the VA. The goal of providing free firearm lockboxes is to help prevent suicides in the Veteran community, an initiative that is ongoing in the VA. As it stands, Veterans already have the ability to receive lockboxes through the VA; however, the reach is limited as it’s only a pilot program provided to Veterans considered to be moderate to high risk and enrolled in VA healthcare. There is bipartisan support for the legislation and beyond that, even gun control groups and those in the firearm industry are backing the initiative to help Vets. The Saving Our Veterans Lives Act is sponsored by Reps. Chris Deluzio, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Greg Landsman, the bill aims to tackle Veteran suicide while avoiding divisive gun politics. This isn’t the first time the VA has been involved in helping Veterans safely store their weapons while preventing self-harm. Since 2013, the VA has provided free cable locks for guns to Veterans. In 2021, the Department began making public service announcements addressing the topic of gun safety. Now, in 2024, the VA has made an announcement that they would begin handing out gun lockboxes to any Veteran who wanted them. This falls under the Saving Our Veterans Lives Act. It takes away the need for Vets to be enrolled in the VA healthcare system or have a certain risk or diagnosis to receive a lockbox. By simply expanding the program to Veterans regardless, the bill is providing a free gun lockbox to the Veteran community without hassle. If the bill passes, there will be $5 million allocated to the program’s expansion each year. This will go on for the next decade. The VA will also launch a PSA campaign to educate the public about securing firearms. The goal is to prevent suicides in the Veteran community.
Suicide Rates Remain High Among Veterans
Veteran suicide rates remain alarmingly high, with firearms being the leading cause of these tragic deaths. Data from the VA shows that 73% of male and 52% of female Veteran suicides involve firearms. Research shows that limiting access to firearms, such as the use of a lockbox for a gun, can reduce these numbers. Yet, many Veterans don't store their firearms securely. Rep. Fitzpatrick and other supporters of the Saving Our Veterans Lives Act are hoping the bipartisan bill can help save lives by providing free gun safes that can make an impact. Finally, if you or a loved one are experiencing mental health issues, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. Contact them by dialing 988, and press 1. Furthermore, you can reach trained professionals online at www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/, or by texting 838255.
Get a Free Gun Safe Through Law Enforcement
While many are hopeful that the Saving Our Veterans Lives Act will pass, it’s understandable that this may take some time and may not ever even become law. In the meantime, there are still options for keeping your firearms secure thanks to a partnership with law enforcement. Project ChildSafe is an initiative from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). It provides education throughout the United States as the largest firearm safety program in the country. The program offers free educational resources and safety kits. It includes over 40 million cable-style gun locks, distributed through partnerships with law enforcement agencies. Additionally, law enforcement partners can request free firearm safety kits, which are provided at no cost by NSSF. It’s a great way to protect your firearms and yourself as we await the free gun safe program expanded by the VA. Sources:Congressman Chris Deluzio. Accessed September 2024. Suggested reads: