Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance hosts summit on secure firearm storage to reduce deaths

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance hosted an event Wednesday morning focused on community safety and the reduction of suicide deaths by firearm in Central Oregon through secure firearm storage.

COSPA hosted the Central Oregon Secure Firearm Storage Summit at Redmond City Hall. The intent behind the summit was to raise community awareness and reduce suicide deaths by firearm in Central Oregon, especially among young people.

Partner agencies from around the tri-county region attended the summit, including law enforcement, health agencies, social service providers, school district representatives, firearms retailers and club owners.

Bend Deputy Police Chief Paul Kansky said the effort "is not about gun control, but rather about responsible gun ownership. Our partners at the level of gun clubs, gun dealers, and of course our law enforcement partners and our health educators and educational institutions at large have all been supportive. We have found nobody making this a political event."

You can learn more about secure firearm storage and find resources to prevent suicide deaths by firearm at SafeFirearmStorage.com.