FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2025

Donna’s Law Fundraising Campaign Launches to Reduce Firearm Suicide
Grassroots effort seeks $215,000 to make life-saving firearm self-exclusion tool accessible statewide

Fort Collins, Colo. – Colorado has taken a major step forward in suicide prevention with the passage of Senate Bill 25-034, the Colorado Voluntary Do Not Sell Act, commonly known as Donna’s Law for Colorado. Governor Jared Polis signed the bill into law on June 2, 2025, making Colorado the fifth state in the nation to enact this life-saving measure.
Colorado has long struggled with high suicide rates, ranking 13th in the nation for gun suicides and eighth for overall suicides. In 2023, 70% of firearm deaths in the state were self-inflicted, and nearly 80% of Colorado veterans who died by suicide used a firearm. Because suicide attempts with a firearm are almost always fatal, giving individuals the ability to voluntarily delay access to firearms can make the difference between life and death.
Donna’s Law allows adults who may be at risk of self-harm to voluntarily, confidentially and reversibly add themselves to a “do-not-sell” list, blocking their ability to purchase firearms. Donna’s Law puts decision-making power directly in the hands of individuals and allows them to protect themselves against their future selves in crisis. The restriction is lifted 30 days after a participant requests to be removed from the list, ensuring both safety and autonomy.
“Even a short waiting period can help save a life,” said Virginia Mack, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and military veteran from Fort Collins. “This tool gives people the ability to protect themselves before it’s too late.”
Mack believes that Donna’s Law could have saved a student she worked with who tragically died by firearm suicide.
The law was named for Donna Nathan, who died by firearm suicide in 2018 after impulsively purchasing a gun in minutes, despite recent inpatient mental health treatment. Her story inspired advocates across the country to push for legislation that empowers individuals to take proactive steps to keep themselves safe.
Colorado joins Washington, Utah, Virginia, and Delaware, which have already implemented similar voluntary self-exclusion programs. The model mirrors other proven harm-reduction strategies, such as Colorado’s gambling self-exclusion program that allows individuals to voluntarily block themselves from casinos and online sportsbooks.
To bring Donna’s Law to life in Colorado, advocates are now raising $215,000 to build a secure online portal where individuals can enroll in the program through the Department of Public Safety. The effort is fiscally sponsored by The Archer Group, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by Healthier Colorado, making all donations tax-deductible.
How to Support Donna’s Law for Colorado:

• Online: Visit donnaslawforco.org to donate securely.
   
• By Check: Make checks payable to The Archer Group with the memo SB25-034 and mail to:
   The Archer Group
   303 East 17th Avenue, Suite 405
   Denver, CO 80203

“Every dollar brings us closer to saving lives,” said advocates. “By supporting Donna’s Law, Coloradans can help ensure that those in crisis have the time and space they need to survive and heal.”