Some providers may draw a strict boundary about discussing guns with their patients (or not think about it). But research has shown there are situations when access to firearms is a potential risk factor and raising this issue can be not only appropriate but necessary. Dr. Michael Victoroff, who is a firearms safety expert, addresses some scenarios associated with guns that can arise in the clinical setting. These range from imminent danger (e.g., suicide risk) to general considerations that vary from household to household (e.g., storage methods). Dr. Victoroff offers guidance on how to approach this topic with non-confrontational questions and suggestions for credible resources for healthcare providers.  

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Suicide Prevention Resource Center CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) training https://www.sprc.org/resources-programs/calm-counseling-access-lethal-means

Gun Shop Project - https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/means-matter/gun-shop-project/

Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition- Coloradofirearmsafetycoaltion.org 

Suicide Hotline- 800-273-TALK 

National Shooting Sports Federation- NSFS.org