Testing Family Firearm Secure Storage Training (FFAST) to Prevent Suicide

Firearms are the lethal means used in over 70% of Veteran suicides with rates of Veteran deaths via self-induced firearm injury rising dramatically (by 64.8%) from 2001 to 2022. Upstream, evidence-based lethal means safety interventions are urgently needed within the VA to address this serious issue. The Family Firearms Secure Storage Training (FFAST) intervention consists of single session in which Veterans and their concerned significant others (CSOs) are guided through a discussion on secure firearm storage practices and develop a safety plan to prepare them for a mental health crisis. This study aims to evaluate the relative effectiveness of FFAST against a control condition in promoting secure firearm storage planning, preparedness for a mental health crisis, and secure storage practices within Veterans and their CSOs. In addition, barriers and facilitating factors of implementing FFAST within the VA Caregiver Support Program and Suicide Prevention 2.0 will be examined to aid in the widespread adoption of FFAST across the VA.

Veteran Inclusion Criteria: 1. Enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in the VA healthcare system 2. enrolled in the Caregiver Program 3. able to comprehend the informed consent form and provide consent over the phone or via teleconference 4. firearm owner in which they report at least 1 firearm is currently located in the home and stored in an unsecure manner (e.g., unlocked and/or loaded) 5. an identifiable CSO enrolled in the VA CSP who agrees to participate 6. willing to participate in the follow-up 7. technology available to complete the appointment remotely (e.g., computer, tablet, phone) CSO Inclusion Criteria: 1. CSO of Veteran participant (e.g., spouse, friend, relative) 2. enrolled in the VA CSP 3. able to comprehend the informed consent form and provide consent over the phone or via teleconference 4. willing to participate in the follow-up 5. willing to assist the Veteran with secure firearm storage 6. willing to participate in the follow-up 7. technology available to complete the appointment remotely (e.g., computer, tablet, phone) Veteran Exclusion Criteria: 1\) At imminent risk of suicide or homicide warranting crisis intervention (Veterans can participate once stabilized) CSO Exclusion Criteria: 1\) At imminent risk of suicide or homicide warranting crisis intervention (CSOs can participate once stabilized)