“…This finding supports previous risk factor studies (Kaplan et al, 1994;Sorenson & Berk, 1999) and epidemiological research that illustrated a growing use of firearms to complete suicide among African Americans, particularly the younger age groups (Joe & Kaplan, 2002). Consistent with prior analysis of nonmethod specific suicidal behavior (Garlow, Purselle, & Heninger, 2005), the race-specific analyses reveal African Americans are more likely to die at younger ages of firearm-related suicide. We also confirmed previous research showing that having a gun in the home substantially increases the risk that a suicide will be completed with a firearm rather than by other means (Beautrais, Joyce, & Mulder, 1996;Brent & Bridge, 2003;Brent et al, 1991;Wintemute, Parham, Beaumont, Wright, & Drake, 1999).…”