The Role of Employers in Firearm Safety and Suicide Prevention with US Army Veteran John Cornelius | Ep. 58

"Just because your family is aware of firearm safety doesn’t mean that they’re safe from suicide."
– John Cornelius

I had the privilege of hosting Arm Veteran, John Cornelius, who brought incredible insight into the pressing issue of firearm safety and suicide prevention. As workplace leaders, it’s common to question why firearm safety matters within our professional environments. Yet, as John eloquently explained, the alarming statistics make a compelling case for proactive measures. When it comes to our youth, the urgency escalates: about 82% of young people who die by firearm suicide obtain these weapons from friends or family members. This is why creating safer homes through responsible firearm storage is a critical aspect of suicide prevention.

John shares personal stories and practical tips that make the issue relatable and actionable. From his professional work with the Firearm Suicide Prevention Grant to his touching personal experiences, John underscored the role of the workplace in fostering a culture of safety and awareness. Hosting gunlock distribution days, arranging firearm stand-downs, and integrating educational sessions on safe storage into workplace activities can have a profound impact. For those in high-risk industries like construction, these measures are especially vital. By facilitating discussions and resources around safer firearm storage, we can bridge the gap between understanding the risks and actively preventing tragedies. This episode is not just about recognizing a problem but also about galvanizing collective action to safeguard our communities.

Bio:

John was born in Poplar Bluff, MO and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. After receiving his GED from Oglala Lakota College in 2000, he joined the US Army and spent one year in South Korea in 2001 and a trip to Iraq in 2005. Upon returning to civilian life, he struggled to stay employed due to self-medicating his trauma with a self-destructive lifestyle. He spent some time homeless due to this lifestyle but with the help of some great people who saw his potential, he began to change his approach to life. In 2016 he became a Missouri Peer Support Specialist for the John J. Pershing VAMC At-Risk Veterans Program. He received his AA in Religion from Liberty University, VA in 2018. Hired on as the ERE Peer Support Specialist for FCC Behavioral Health in 2022 and transitioned to Suicide Prevention Specialist for the FCC/MIMH Firearm Suicide Prevention Grant, with emphasis on the faith-based community in 2023.

Takeaways:

Workplaces play a crucial role in suicide prevention, particularly concerning firearm safety. To effectively contribute, organizations can implement the following strategies:

  1. Education and Training: Awareness of the increased risk of suicide death when firearms are accessible and the role of peer support in negotiating safer storage and security. EAP or local VA.

  2. Promote Safe Firearm Storage: Encourage the secure storage of firearms to reduce access during crises. The Department of Veterans Affairs emphasizes that safe storage—keeping firearms unloaded and locked—can prevent unauthorized access and reduce suicide risk. 

  • The safest way to store a gun is:

  • Unloaded

  • Locked up using a locking device, like a lock box or a gun safe

  • Separate from ammunition

  • With the keys and combinations to firearm locking devices inaccessible to children, unauthorized users, and others at risk

  • Temporary firearm transfers

3. Gun Lock Distribution Programs: Some companies and community groups have partnered to provide free or low-cost gun locks at workplaces, especially in industries like construction and first responder organizations where firearms ownership is common. These distribution efforts make locks readily accessible, emphasizing safety and mental health awareness.
4. Incorporating Firearm Safety into Safety Stand-Downs or Safety Days: For high-risk sectors like construction, where safety is already a core value, adding firearm safety to discussions on Safety Stand-Down days allows workplaces to openly discuss mental health, provide gun locks, and share resources like 988 (the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Companies such as Turner Construction and Skanska have led the way by including mental health resources and firearm safety messaging in their safety events.

SHOW NOTES:

Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition: A collaboration between healthcare providers, firearm retailers, and public health professionals in Colorado, this coalition promotes safe firearm storage and suicide prevention through community engagement and education. https://coloradofirearmsafetycoalition.org/