Julianne Moore Instagram – My #WomenCrushWednesday this week is Tracy Sexton of Pascagoula, Mississippi, a volunteer with @MomsDemand and a fellow with the @Everytown Survivor Network.
When Tracy was just two-years-old, her mother, Alice Jo Floyd Sexton, died by gun suicide. Tracy learned later that her mother struggled with alcoholism and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. When she joined @MomsDemand as an adult, Tracy sought to bring awareness about the critical importance of gun safety—especially as it relates to those going through crises. She shares, “I joined to bring awareness about mental illness and how access to a gun can be the difference between life and death in a moment of crisis.” Today, Tracy is a trailblazer in her local @MomDemand group, spreading the message of gun safety and suicide prevention throughout her entire community.
While the U.S. doesn’t have a higher rate of people with mental health challenges than other high income countries, we do have a gun suicide rate that’s nearly twelve times that of other high-income countries. We also know that people who live in states with high rates of household gun ownership are also almost four times more likely to die by gun suicide than those in states where fewer households have guns. But there is hope—these tragedies can often be prevented, and one of the most effective life-saving interventions for someone in crisis is disrupting their access to a gun. This #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth, join me in advocating for the proven solutions to this public health crisis—including Extreme Risk laws, waiting periods, secure storage of firearms, and increased access to mental health and medical services—and amplifying the voices of survivors of suicide loss like Tracy.
If you or someone you love is struggling, there is help: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 connection to free, confidential support in the U.S. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. | Posted on 04/Sep/2024 17:35:35
