Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Voices for a Safer Tennessee is a nonpartisan statewide coalition dedicated to prioritizing gun safety and advocating for common sense gun laws to make communities across Tennessee safer for all of us.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2024

Media Contact:
Jessica Jaglois, (615) 613-1624


Voices for a Safer Tennessee Hosted Statewide Suicide Prevention Discussion
Panel Addressed Mental Health and Firearm Safety Solutions

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – To mark the conclusion of National Suicide Prevention Month, a diverse panel of Tennesseans shared their deeply personal stories and expert insights to confront the alarming reality of Tennessee’s rising suicide rate. The webinar was hosted by Voices for a Safer Tennessee—a nonpartisan organization dedicated to creating safer, healthier communities by reducing preventable firearm-related tragedies—to highlight the urgent need for action and community-driven solutions to address this crisis.

The panelists included:

  • Eric Barnes (Moderator), Publisher and CEO of The Daily Memphian
  • Penny Anderson, Chief Development and External Affairs Officer for Operation Stand Down Tennessee
  • Annette Lake, Survivor and Suicide Prevention Advocate
  • Judge Eddie Lauderback, Circuit Court, First Judicial District of the State of Tennessee
  • Lucy White, Counselor, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine in Chattanooga

Tennesseans are 20% more likely to die by suicide than their peers nationwide, and are nearly 50% more likely to die by suicide using a firearm. The panelists agreed that access to mental health services, temporary transfer laws, expanding background checks and secure firearm storage would reduce these tragic suicide rates.

“Two out of three suicides are committed by a firearm in Tennessee,” said Erin Rogus, Voices for a Safer Tennessee policy director. “We all know suicide is a tragic, complicated issue, but it’s often preventable, and that gives us hope.”

Annette Lake, a suicide prevention advocate from Middle Tennessee who lost her father and her son to suicide within a year of one another, said destigmatizing mental health issues continues to be a crucial step in communities across Tennessee. “The more we talk about it, the more work we do to help each other to identify solutions and start screenings early, the better off we will be,” said Lake.

Washington County Circuit Court Judge Eddie Lauderback has lost two friends to suicide. Now, he advocates for secure firearm storage and encourages parents to talk about how firearms are stored in the homes of family and friends. He also recommended a process to give judges the authority to temporarily remove firearms from those who pose a risk to themselves or others.

Penny Anderson of Operation Stand Down Tennessee, which connects veterans and their families with comprehensive services, said veterans in the state are more likely to own and to use a firearm to take their own lives. In fact, 87% of Tennessee veterans who die by suicide do so by using a firearm. Anderson emphasized early intervention “to get ahead of the darkest day of someone’s life.” She recommended a buddy program they use with veterans, with regular texts and calls to check in on a friend or loved one going through a hard time, as well as posting photos of kids, loved ones, pets, whatever “ties you to this world,” where firearms are stored as a suicide deterrent.

The key takeaways from the discussion included:

  • The need for awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline and other mental health resources in Tennessee.
  • The vital importance of securely storing firearms in a locked compartment or with a cable or trigger lock to prevent access for those in a mental health crisis. Delaying access by as little as 10 minutes can be the difference in saving a life.
  • Exploring the feasibility of temporary transfer laws or other legal mechanisms to temporarily remove firearms from individuals in crisis.
  • Expanding background check requirements for firearm purchases to prevent purchase by those who have been involuntarily committed and are at risk of harming themselves.
  • Encouraging open conversations within families and communities about mental health, firearm safety and suicide prevention.

Chattanooga counselor Lucy White has worked with clients and their families struggling with mental illness and seen them recover. “I’m here to be able to communicate the hope that could be on the other side of the worst day of your life, and I’ve been able to see people get better,” said White.

To view a recording of the webinar, click here.

Watch the webinar

Learn more about the work of Voices for a Safer Tennessee and how you can get involved at safertn.org.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, know that help is available. Call or text 988, then press 0, for 24/7 free and confidential support. Visit preventsuicidetn.com to learn about resources available in your area.

About Voices for a Safer Tennessee
Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition dedicated to prioritizing pragmatic firearm safety laws and promoting responsible firearm ownership to make communities across our state safer. Safer TN was founded by neighbors, friends, colleagues and community members who came together with a shared desire for change following the tragic events of March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. The organization brings voters and lawmakers together by leading conversations, sharing diverse perspectives and finding commonality to champion the bipartisan change that the majority of Tennessee voters support. Learn more at safertn.org.

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SUPREME COURT, SURGEON GENERAL DECISIONS UNDERSCORE SAFER TN PRIORITIES

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2024

For More Information, Contact Kelly Brockman, kelly@mcneelybrockmanpr.com

NASHVILLE – Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) welcomes two recent national firearm safety developments that represent positive steps toward reducing preventable firearm tragedies.

“We are encouraged by the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that temporarily removing access to firearms for those who pose a credible threat is constitutional and consistent with the Second Amendment,” said Todd Cruse, chair of Safer TN’s Board of Directors. “The decision in United States v. Rahimi reverses a dangerous ruling that would have allowed those with domestic violence restraining orders to be armed.”

 “We also recognize the importance of this week’s advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, which declares firearm violence in America to be a public health crisis that requires the nation’s immediate awareness and action,” said Cruse.

“These two landmark developments underscore the policy solutions Safer TN has been advocating since its inception – temporary transfer laws, background checks on every firearm transaction, and secure storage of firearms,” he said.

Firearms are the #1 cause of death for Tennessee children (ages 1-17), and Tennessee ranks #3 in the nation for accidental shootings by children. More die from firearms than from traffic accidents for the first time in history, he added. 

Both the high court ruling and the Surgeon General’s advisory cited large amounts of data to support their decisions (link to graphics of stats developed yesterday). “This is consistent with Safer TN’s emphasis on policy making based on data and evidence,” Cruse said.

The 8-1 Supreme Court ruling in a case involving domestic violence held that if a person had been found to pose a credible threat by a court of law, they could be temporarily disarmed without violating the Second Amendment’s overall right to bear arms.

The Surgeon General’s declaration said gun violence requires a public health approach similar to those involving safety belts for automobiles, pesticide approvals, and antismoking campaigns. It highlights the importance of securely storing firearms and expanding background checks.

Safer TN Advisory Board member Senator Bill Frist, MD, a heart and lung transplant surgeon and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader, wrote of these significant firearm safety decisions:

“This moment calls for action. The Supreme Court has made clear we have the ability to protect our communities from those who pose a threat to themselves or others. The Surgeon General has laid out a clear case of why we must act. We have the tools to address this public health crisis – now we must do the hard work of putting them to use.”

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Safer Tennessee Hails Video Campaign for Free Gun Locks, Tax-Free Firearm Safes

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June 17, 2024

NASHVILLE – Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is applauding the statewide effort by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to promote safe storage of firearms by offering free cable locks. The initiative, which is accompanied by a video campaign, was authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly during the August 2023 Special Session.

“Safer TN is grateful for the secure storage of firearms education campaign by Governor Lee and the Tennessee Department of Safety. We encourage gun owners to use the free cable locks provided by the state and to purchase a tax-free gun safe for storage at home or other places, like their vehicles,” said Claudia Huskey, Safer TN executive director. 

“Tennessee ranks #3 in the nation for accidental shootings by children, and firearms are now the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-17.” she said. “We also lead the nation in firearms stolen from vehicles, many of which are later used in crimes.”

Huskey said research shows that secure storage is one of the best ways to prevent firearm deaths and injuries and that it is especially important during summer, when children and teens are not in school, to make sure firearms are locked up and not accessible to those who shouldn’t have them. “Our volunteer-driven group of Tennesseans has advocated tirelessly to advance measures such as these and will continue to support pragmatic ways to better incentivize and remove barriers to the secure storage of firearms,” she said.Free cable locks are available in every county. To find a location near you, check the Safe Store Tennessee website.

Watch the PSAs here and here.

Thousands Gather for Second “Linking Arms for Change” Event on  First Anniversary of The Covenant School Tragedy

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 28,2024

Tennesseans link arms in Nashville and participate in satellite community gatherings across the state  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Yesterday approximately 12,000 Tennesseans linked arms from Centennial Park and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt down Broadway to the State Capitol to honor the six victims of The Covenant School shooting and the nearly 1,300 adults and children who lost their lives to preventable firearm tragedies over the last year in our state.  

“Linking Arms for Change” was hosted by Voices for a Safer Tennessee, a nonpartisan statewide coalition formed in the days following The Covenant School tragedy. The group is dedicated to creating healthier, safer communities by reducing preventable firearm tragedies and advocating for pragmatic firearm safety laws.  

“During ‘Linking Arms for Change’, Tennesseans once again showed that they stand with the Covenant community and the loved ones of all victims of preventable firearm tragedies.” said Voices for a Safer Tennessee executive director Claudia Huskey. “On an otherwise somber day of remembrance and grief, this clear demonstration of unity provides hope and healing to our community.”

While families, neighbors, and friends linked arms, a program of inspirational messages and beautiful music was held at Centennial Park. Uplifting songs were shared by Ketch Secor, co-founder and lead singer for the band Old Crow Medicine Show with Americana artist Molly Tuttle, 17-year-old guitar virtuoso Grace Bowers with Judge Sheila Calloway, and Contemporary Christian Music artist Blessing Offor. Faith leaders who offered reflections and prayers included Father Mark Beckman from Saint Henry Catholic Church, Dr. Donovan McAbee from Belmont University, Reverend Cody Balfour from Koinonia Church, Rashed Fakhruddin from Islamic Center of Nashville, and Rabbi Shanna Mackler from The Temple Nashville.  

“The support for this event in Nashville, and satellite gatherings in Middle, East, and West Tennessee, gives us confidence in what we can accomplish if we work together as Tennesseans,” said Todd Cruse, board chair of Voices for a Safer Tennessee. “Now we need everyone to stay involved in the democratic process. Contact your legislators to express support of stronger firearm safety laws, engage your families, neighbors, and friends in conversation about this public health crisis, and vote. We know progress will take time and the small wins we are already seeing will add up to impactful change.”

For more information about Voices for a Safer Tennessee and to watch the recorded livestream of the program, visit safertn.org.  

Photos from the event are available at this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t6g8ePjob9T-yYW0M13Ogy67AT77JNR5?usp=sharing

About Voices for a Safer Tennessee:  
Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of Tennessee families, faith leaders, business executives and educators, hunters, gunowners, veterans and military families, who are dedicated to prioritizing pragmatic, evidence-based firearm safety laws and promoting responsible firearm ownership. Our mission is to build safer, healthier communities by reducing preventable firearm tragedies across Tennessee. We are founded by, led by, and funded by Tennesseans, committed to Tennessee solutions, with 25,000 coalition members across all 95 counties and growing. Learn more at safertn.org.  

Media Contacts:  
Michelle Augusty, Voices for a Safer Tennessee, (850) 933-7202‬, michelle.augusty@gmail.com 
Kelly Brockman, McNeely Brockman PR, (615) 812-6513, kelly@mcneelybrockmanpr.com   
Mark Drury, Calvert Street Group, (615) 330-7587, mdrury@calvertstreet.com 

Voices for a Safer Tennessee: Our Poll Finds Broad Bipartisan Support for Common-Sense Gun Safety Measures in Tennessee

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Data from Conservative Pollster Demonstrates Desire for Immediate Action

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Nashville, Tenn — Tennessee voters overwhelmingly support common-sense gun policies, according to a poll released today by Fabrizio Lee, a polling firm that has polled for President Trump and other conservatives. Voters expressed strong support for extreme risk protection orders, closing background check loopholes, instituting a 72-hour waiting period before a person can obtain a gun, and requiring safe gun storage measures. Importantly, the poll notes support from Trump voters for these measures is strong, ranging from 63% to 84%.

The poll, consisting of 600 likely Tennessee voters, was commissioned and released by Voices for a Safer Tennessee, a nonpartisan statewide coalition dedicated to prioritizing gun safety and advocating for common-sense gun laws to make communities across Tennessee safer for all of us.
The organization, founded by a group of concerned Tennessee mothers, states on its website, “If you believe our children deserve a safer Tennessee, then we are on the same side.”

Support for the following policies was overwhelming among all likely voters and with key demographics—Trump voters, Republicans, Conservatives, and households with guns:

Bar graph displaying survey results for gun safety measures.

These reasonable gun safety measures are currently under consideration at the Tennessee legislature. But time is running out in the legislative session; lawmakers have said they are likely to adjourn on Friday.

“In these times of intense political polarization, it is rare to see any issue proposals that receive such high levels of support from voters regardless of political party or ideology,” said David Lee, a partner with Fabrizio Lee. “The six proposals to address gun violence that we tested in this survey were favored by very large majorities of voters from every demographic group, including Republicans and gun owners.”

“As a bipartisan organization we understand how important it is to hear from voices Tennesseans trust. While other polls have been done, we felt it was important to partner with Fabrizio to show the strong support for these measures across the political spectrum,” said Carlie Cruse, a member of Voices for a Safer Tennessee. “The message to legislators couldn’t be clearer: Tennesseans want them to act now to protect our kids.”

The Fabrizio Lee survey is the third recent poll demonstrating Tennessee voters’ strong commitment to finding workable solutions to prevent tragedies such as last month’s Covenant School shooting, which took the lives of three 9-year-old children and three adults. Last week, Jarrad Inc, a healthcare consulting firm, released a poll showing bipartisan support for enacting background checks, extreme risk, and safe storage laws. An Embold Research poll taken at the same time showed similar results, with overwhelming support for the Tennessee legislature and Governor Bill Lee enacting these specific, common-sense measures.

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