Vibrant Emotional Health is thrilled to join New Yorkers in celebrating Governor Kathy Hochul's signing of critical firearms safety and suicide prevention legislation, S6649/A2882, championed by State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz. This new law is a significant step in reducing firearm-related suicide and promoting safer, informed gun ownership across the state.

The legislation requires firearms dealers and gunsmiths to prominently display and distribute warnings about the risks associated with firearms, including the heightened danger of suicide, domestic violence, and unintentional deaths—particularly to children. These materials also direct people to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, ensuring that those in crisis can quickly access life-saving support.

With the rate of gun-related suicides at a 50-year high, this law is a timely and vital intervention. More than half of all gun deaths in the United States are suicides, highlighting the critical need to educate gun owners and prospective buyers about these risks and ensure they know that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to offer immediate help and support to anyone in distress.