Improving firearm safety among veterans at risk for suicide
Official title: Incentivizing Lethal Means Safety Among Veterans at Risk for Suicide
Funded at Philadelphia VA Medical Center · NIH-11056711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help veterans who are at risk for suicide safely store their firearms by offering them helpful rewards and support after they learn about safe storage practices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Philadelphia VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003680-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056711 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who are at risk for suicide and have access to firearms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to firearms or are not at risk for suicide may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the safe storage of firearms among veterans who are at risk for suicide. It aims to implement financial and social incentives to encourage veterans to follow through with safe storage practices after receiving counseling on lethal means safety. By assessing the effectiveness of these incentives, the study seeks to determine how best to support veterans in reducing the risk of suicide related to firearm access. The research will utilize existing VA infrastructure to facilitate these interventions and evaluate their impact.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of veteran suicides by promoting safer firearm storage practices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with incentive-based interventions for behavior change in veterans with substance use disorders, suggesting potential for similar success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khazanov, Gabriela Kattan — Philadelphia VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Khazanov, Gabriela Kattan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.