Maine has the highest rate of suicide in the Northeast U.S., and most of those tragic losses are by firearm.  In 2022, 87% of Maine firearm deaths were suicides and 63% of our suicides were by firearm.  If someone is hopeless, in crisis and suicidal, having easy access to a firearm is deadly. A firearm allows no time for reconsideration.

Question 2 on the ballot supports establishing a Red Flag law in Maine, allowing a family member or law enforcement to seek temporary removal of weapons for safety. Also called an Emergency Risk Protection Order, these laws allow for a rapid response to remove risk with a full review done later.

I worked a number of years as a crisis clinician in Maine, intervening with people threatening suicide or after an attempt. And for 2 decades I have supported families and organizations after a suicide loss.  The one phrase I hear most often from families is “I wish I could have done something to save them”.  Families know their love ones and can recognize risk long before law enforcement are ever called. A Red Flag Law provides a tool for families and can prevent a lifetime of grief and regret.

Vote Yes on Referendum Question 2 on November 4.

Greg Marley lives in Rockland