Boulder County Public Health calls on residents to focus on their own mental health and wellness issues — especially as they relate to firearms and thoughts of suicide — to mark Mental Health Awareness Month.

Colorado ranks sixth in the nation for suicides and tenth in the nation for suicides involving firearms. As a result, groups like Boulder County Public Health are taking steps to strengthen gun control and teach people about suicide awareness, according to a press release. Nearly one-third of adolescents has access to a gun and 25% of can access a loaded gun in 24 hours.

To help save lives, Boulder County Public Health suggests always securely storing firearms, have a crisis plan and know what to watch for from potential suicide victims, which can be found at nimh.nih.gov.

“Individuals can make a big difference in preventing gun violence. The state created the website (www.letstalkgunscolorado.com) to raise awareness around state and federal laws, as well as resources related to gun violence prevention so communities can actively participate in the reduction of gun violence,” said State Rep. Judy Amabile, of Boulder, in a statement.

Public health officials also teach awareness programs in classrooms. Several local schools have received Sources of Strength training, which is a program that helps reduce suicide rates and improves mental health.

Public health officials also recognized work being done by the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office, the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, faith communities in Boulder County and others to reduce firearm violence.

“We aim to support and coordinate with those leaders and community members to create a safer Boulder County,” Lexi Nolen, Boulder County’s Public Health executive director, said in a statement.

Resources:

The Colorado Crisis Service line is available 24/7 365 days a year to provide emotional, substance, crisis and confidential help. They can be reached at 1-844-493-8255 or by texting “TALK” to 38255.