LANSING — The state of Michigan released a new report on gun violence this week, examining the issue with community and mental health in mind.

The work also puts a focus on suicide, which makes up a majority of Michigan gun deaths each year.

Public health experts say that the state can reduce gun violence through legislative changes and increasing public awareness of laws and resources.

In 2023, close to 1,400 Michigan residents died due to gun violence. More than half of those deaths are a result of suicide, over 800 yearly.

“Suicide is the leading issue when it comes to firearms, both in our state as well as nationally,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive.

Bagdasarian says that making guns harder to access for those in crisis can help save lives.

“If

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