Stamford, Conn. – September 07, 2026 -- Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) has launched a new firearm safety toolkit aimed at helping veterans, service members and their families have direct conversations about suicide risk and secure gun storage.
The toolkit, called Ask Anyway: How to Have Conversations About Firearm Safety, was developed with grant support from Face the Fight, a veteran suicide prevention coalition. It launches as part of a broader public awareness campaign, Ask Anyway: Conversations to Save a Life, timed to Suicide Prevention Month in September.
Firearms account for nearly three-quarters of veteran suicide deaths
The veteran suicide rate is 60% higher than the national average, according to CVN. Firearms were involved in 73.3% of veteran suicide deaths in 2023, making them the most common method.
The campaign is built around three actions
Ask Anyway encourages people to "Ask the Question" directly if someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, "Ask About Firearms" to discuss safe storage without dismissing their importance to many veterans' daily lives and identity, and "Ask for Help" by connecting struggling individuals to resources such as the Veterans Crisis Line and CVN's Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics.
Dr. Anthony Hassan, president and CEO of Cohen Veterans Network, said people rarely regret asking a caring question, but they may regret conversations they never had. He added that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility, whether checking in on a fellow veteran, discussing firearm safety with family, or seeking support personally.
CVN has treated more than 106,000 clients over 10 years
The nonprofit network has delivered over 953,000 clinical sessions since its founding, treating conditions including PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and family issues. It operates 23 Cohen Clinics across 22 states and Washington, D.C., with five additional clinics on U.S. military bases in Asia set to open soon. Care is available in person and through CVN Telehealth video sessions.
The Ask Anyway toolkit and related suicide prevention resources are available through CVN's website.