BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The Air Force continues to grapple with the problem of suicide in its ranks. In 2019 alone, 137 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian Airmen attempted suicide, a 33 percent increase from the year prior.
The Air Force recently launched a new initiative called Safes or Locks Outside the home (SLO) to decrease the number of suicide attempts and combat how 70 percent of those attempts are made. It is part of a comprehensive effort to address the situation.
The approach, called Time-Based Prevention, is a key element of the SLO program. As part of the effort, the 307th Bomb Wing is offering free gun locks to its military members and civilian employees.
Tiffany Williams, the 307th BW Director of Psychological Health is spearheading the local effort.
“Within the time it takes for someone to access a personal firearm with a lock on it, there is an opportunity to de-escalate the situation,” said Williams.
To obtain a free lock, any Reserve Citizen Airman or civilian employee assigned to the 307th BW can contact Williams at 318-529-3076 or tiffany.williams.37@us.af.mil and arrange for pick up. Williams said locks will also be available through first sergeants in units throughout the wing.
Williams explained that the SLO initiative extends beyond suicide prevention to gun safety.
“Just being able to keep the firearm locked and safe is a key step to help prevent accidental weapons discharges,” she said.
The locks fit most personal firearms and will be available as long as supplies last, according to Williams.