To: Charles Winfrey, Human Services Committee Chairperson
From: Derrick Britton, Director of Veterans Services
title
RE: Approval of a Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety Display in the Genesee County Administration Building lobby
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a display in the Genesee County Administration Building lobby in the amount of $550.00 that promotes information on secure firearm storage and FREE gun locks for the public. The cost will be paid from account 2930-689.00-900.005.
BACKGROUND:
September is recognized Suicide Prevention Month. Nearly 7 out of every 10 Veteran deaths by suicide are the result of firearm injuries. (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2021). The county should promote suicide awareness and steps to protect not only veterans, but all citizens who may be in crisis.
DISCUSSION:
Lethal means are objects that may be used by individuals experiencing a suicidal crisis. They include things like guns, medications, alcohol, opioids, other substances, ropes, cords, or sharp objects. If a Veteran is in crisis or is having suicidal thoughts, these items can become deadly if easily accessible. Increasing the time and distance between a person in suicidal crisis and their access to lethal means can reduce suicide risk and save lives. The VA Keep It Secure program promotes awareness about the simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. The VA is providing free cable locks for distribution to the public. They have asked businesses and other entities to promote this initiative.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Purchase of display with printed information and gun locks is $150. Printed materials are estimated at $400.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
Finding an appropriate place for the display in a high traffic area that keeps the appropriate aesthetic of the tower is important.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Promoting suicide awareness helps to promote healthy, livable, and safe communities. Providing educational materials and gun locks promotes public health and communicates resources and services to Genesee County residents.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Veterans Services Director to authorize setting up a display in the Genesee County Administration Building lobby that promotes information on secure firearm storage and provides free gun locks for the public, at a cost not to exceed $550.00 to be paid from account 2930-689.00-900.005, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the September 17, 2025 meeting of the Human Services Committee of this Board).