MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin County is launching a new campaign aimed at preventing firearm suicides after county data showed nearly three-quarters of gun-related deaths in recent years were suicides.
The effort, funded by an $829,737 federal grant, will focus on educating residents about gun violence restraining orders, also known as red flag laws, along with other firearm safety measures.
From 2020 through 2024, 73 percent of Marin County's gun-related deaths were firearm suicides, according to county officials. Men over age 60 accounted for a disproportionate share of those deaths.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Marin County District Attorney's Office, Marin County Department of Health and Human Services and the Marin Gun Safety Collaborative.
"Fostering lethal means safety, such as secure firearm storage and GVROs, provides individuals with time and space to navigate a crisis and can save lives," said Lori Frugoli, Marin County district attorney. "The initiative seeks to increase community awareness of GVROs as one of several preventative measures available to reduce firearm suicides in Marin County."
Gun violence restraining orders are civil court orders that temporarily prevent someone who is considered at high risk of harming themselves or others from accessing firearms. County officials said the orders remain underused despite research showing they can help prevent firearm suicides.
As part of the initiative, Marin County has launched a digital media campaign encouraging family members, friends, caregivers and coworkers to recognize warning signs and consider seeking a restraining order when appropriate.
The grant will also fund community outreach, educational programs and training sessions over the next year to raise awareness about firearm safety and suicide prevention.
"The initiative's core message is that every community member can take meaningful action to prevent a firearm tragedy in our community," Frugoli said. "We are excited to share this actionable information and message of hope with our community."
Residents can learn more about gun violence restraining orders and other firearm safety resources through the Marin Gun Safety Collaborative's website.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Novato, CA Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.