Wake County is taking a stand on gun safety and mental health with their new public awareness initiative called Lock. Call. Live. Launched just days before Veterans Day, the campaign focuses on sharing stories from suicide survivors, emphasizing the importance of securely storing firearms and accessing mental health support. According to the Wake County announcement, the program draws support from various veteran organizations to help those at risk of suicide.

In a statement obtained by Wake County, Don Mial from the Wake County Board of Commissioners expressed the campaign's urgency: "Suicidal thoughts are often brief but having access to a gun in those moments can turn a passing thought into an irreversible tragedy." He believes measures like Lock. Call. Live. can provide vital second chances. The campaign's featured video narratives revolve around personal experiences, such as that of Michael Rimar, who survived a firearm suicide attempt. Rimar is not a veteran, yet his experience mirrors the stark realities that many military service members face.

The initiative launched by Wake County underscores the fleeting nature of suicidal ideation and the permanent consequences that can follow when firearms are easily accessible in such moments. Advocates for gun safety and mental health professionals agree on the critical role of preventative actions like secure firearm storage and proactive mental health support to reduce the risk of suicide.

"This campaign is about creating space for second chances by locking firearms and seeking support," Mial told Wake County, drawing attention, to the fact that interventions are vital before it's too late.