When 92% of Maine suicides are completed with guns, we have a serious problem with access to firearms, especially when it comes to men and handguns.
An average of 175 people died from shots from firearms between 2020 and 2024, including suicides. The highest number of deaths by gun violence were in Cumberland, Penobscot and York counties. That suicide is the second leading cause of death among Mainers ages 10 to 34 is shocking. Before we can implement widespread mental health programs, let’s control firearms.
At an April 22 town hall meeting in Bath, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nirav Shah said that if elected governor he would ban assault weapons and demand stronger background checks.
Shah is experienced in public health, directing Maine’s COVID-19 response and working in Washington, D.C., as the No. 2 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We need him to deal with care of mental health in Maine.
Cynthia Stevens
Harpswell
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