Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition

The Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing firearm injuries and deaths in Colorado. Founded by Dick Abramson, Emmy Betz, MD, MPH, Sarah Brummett, JD, Jacquelyn Clark, Jarrod Hindman, MS, and Michael Victoroff, MD, the coalition brings together researchers, public health professionals, firearms instructors, business owners, law enforcement, military veterans, and concerned citizens.

The coalition operates as a collaborative network—not a gun club or retailer. Members include diverse perspectives united by one goal: reducing firearm injuries and deaths through evidence-based approaches.

The Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition meets virtually on the second Tuesday of every month at 3:00 p.m. MT. Meetings are facilitated by the University of Colorado's Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative (FIPI) staff.

• •Interested in joining? Contact: [email protected]

At monthly meetings, members: - Collaborate on firearm injury prevention projects - Discuss firearms-related legislation and its implications - Work to improve firearm training standards - Share resources and coordinate prevention efforts

The CFSC advocates for comprehensive firearms training. They've published detailed guidance on essential skills every firearm owner should master:

Core Training Topics: - The 4 Fundamental Rules of Firearms Safety (muzzle control, trigger discipline, treating every gun as loaded, target awareness) - Proper firearm selection and evaluation - Operating your specific firearm model - Disassembly and maintenance procedures - Mechanical and cartridge malfunction handling - Storage planning before acquisition - Marksmanship fundamentals (stance, grip, sight picture, trigger press)

The coalition positions concealed carry as an advanced skill requiring high-level education, training, and practice—not something attainable in basic training classes. They stress that justifiable use of lethal force demands thorough preparation beyond permit qualification.

A major focus of CFSC's work is suicide prevention through firearm safety:

About half of all U.S. suicide deaths involve firearms. Having a firearm in the home triples the odds of death by suicide—not because guns cause suicidal thoughts, but because they're the most lethal method available. For every ten firearm suicide attempts, nine are fatal.

The coalition provides resources on: - Out-of-Home Storage Options: Interactive map listing businesses in Colorado and nationwide willing to temporarily store firearms for people in crisis - Time & Distance: Information on how temporary removal of firearms can save lives during mental health crises - Secure Storage: One-pagers (English/Spanish), videos on locking devices, and safety planning tools

Key Statistics: - 90% of people who survive a suicide attempt don't later die by suicide - Most people won't find another method if firearms aren't available—these are often temporary crises

The coalition maintains a map of locations accepting temporary, voluntary firearm storage in partnership with Pierce's Pledge. Storage options include: - Gun shops and shooting ranges - Police departments and sheriff's offices - Special storage facilities - Pawn shops and self-storage units - College campus safety departments

Before using any storage location, ask about costs, storage duration limits, background check policies, and whether they offer pickup services.

CFSC provides access to extensive resources: - Firearm Safety Information (NSSF) - How to Use Common Locking Devices (video) - Lock to Live (decision-making tool for reducing access to lethal means) - Firearm Life Plan (for planning firearm disposition in later years) - Safety in Dementia (caregiver guidance) - National directory of shooting ranges and firearms instructors - Instructor mental health resource videos - Suicide prevention toolkits for firearms instructors

Colorado residents in crisis: - Colorado Crisis and Support Line: 1-844-493-TALK (8255) - Text "TALK" to 38255 - Colorado Crisis Services (chat available 24/7/365)

Outside Colorado: - National Suicide Lifeline: 988

Email: [email protected]

Media coverage: The coalition has been featured on National Public Radio and Colorado Public Radio.