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February 10, 2025
NSSF and VA combat Veteran Suicide Through Ongoing Partnership
Joe Bartozzi, President and CEO of NSSF, and Dr. Matt Miller, Executive Director of the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) Suicide Prevention Program, delve into an ongoing partnership between NSSF and VA aimed at tackling the pressing issue of veteran suicide. Discover the insights and strategies they are employing to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have served our country.
Why is it so important to have this partnership between NSSF and the VA to get the message to veterans?
Bartozzi: We believe that nobody can do everything, not one organization or individual and that when working together, we are a force multiplier. We can be a trusted source to members of our community, the science based things the VA certainly brings to the table, and together the ability to carry that message to a wider audience just makes sense.
Dr. Miller: NSSF is a prioritized, loyal partner to VA suicide prevention, recognizing with us that firearm safety is a key to making improvements in veteran suicide prevention.
What are some of the programs NSSF and the VA work together on?
Bartozzi: We’ve created a roundtable of VA service providers, VSOs and industry members that come together at least once a year to talk about how we can get the message of suicide prevention out to the community. We use every touch point possible with the community of veterans, community of gun owners and at other events such as the Range-Retailer Business Expo to spread the word that suicide is preventable and here’s what you can do to help.
Dr. Miller: A real tangible outcome of this partnership is the VA learning about veterans’ perceptions of the VA regarding firearm safety. One of the main concerns from veterans is over the VA taking away their firearms if they engage in the types of efforts that we’re putting forth. With the help of the NSSF, the VA has been able to distribute our Q&A which allowed us to produce FAQ content that details the facts regarding the VA and firearms, helping to alleviate concern.
Tell Us About the “Space Between Thought and Trigger” Ad Campaign
Bartozzi: It’s a powerful ad, and it’s important to spread that message. We were fortunate enough to be brought in to help consult on the materials.
Dr. Miller: A key point from the data is that 75% of the time, the time between a thought about suicide and an action can be 20 minutes or less, usually within 60 minutes or less. That highlights the importance in those brief windows of time, emphasizing safe storage of firearms because that saves lives beyond the 60-minute dark period.
Do the roundtable discussions happen at SHOT Show®?
Bartozzi: Typically not at SHOT Show with all the moving parts and tight schedules. The roundtables take place in various parts of the country throughout the year, in places like Washington D.C., and Denver, where attendees can focus on the task at hand. The industry members and veterans in our industry have all embraced this partnership.
Dr. Miller: The standalone aspect of the roundtables and the attendance that comes with it highlights how invested manufacturers, retailers and stakeholders are within this discussion about safe firearm storage for veteran suicide prevention.
What makes you personally invested in preventing suicide with veterans?
Bartozzi: The short answer is it’s the right thing to do, so why wouldn’t we? To give back to those who have given so much to this country; why not? Personally, both of my sons are veterans, so it does hit home. I worry, because I know the stats about veterans’ suicide. I have a son who did two tours in Afghanistan with PTSD and it makes me concerned. We’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do, it’s an important partnership and I’m fully invested in seeing this thing all the way through.
Dr. Miller: I’ve never seen a partner who when they are convinced it’s the right thing to do is so adamant and stays on course with it the way Joe and the NSSF do. For me, I’m a United States Air Force veteran. I lost a good friend of mine, a Marine Cobra pilot, to suicide while I was serving, and that really redirected my life and efforts in this area as well.
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Categories: BP Item, Featured, Government Relations, Top Stories, Veterans
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