Preventing firearm suicide. Saving lives.
Every life saved from suicide is a victory. Lock. Call. Live. is a collaborative initiative led by Wake County to address the devastating impact of firearm suicide through education, empathy and action. This campaign encourages secure storage, reaching out for help, and living through life’s hardest moments – because crises don’t have to be permanent.
Watch the videos
The campaign features the powerful testimony of Michael Rimar, a firearm suicide attempt survivor, whose story brings to light the urgency of acting before it’s too late. His journey from regret to recovery is a message of hope.
Take action
- Lock your firearms securely.
- Call someone – because asking for help shows strength.
- Live to see another day and move forward, one step at a time.
Michael's story: Hope through recovery
"I had my mind made up; I was on my way. But the moment I pulled the trigger, I knew I messed up" – Michael Rimar.
Michael’s candid story is at the heart of this campaign. While he is not a veteran, his journey echoes the experience of thousands of veterans and civilians affected by firearm suicides each year. His story challenges us to confront the stigma around mental health, take action and make time and distance between someone in crisis and a firearm.
Through small steps – “moving a muscle, changing a thought” – Michael shows that recovery is possible, even after the darkest moments. His story encourages others to take the next right step, seek help and keep living, no matter how hard it seems.
Why firearm safety matters
The statistics are clear:
- 9 out of 10 firearm suicide attempts result in death.
- Veterans are at 72% higher risk of suicide than those who haven’t served.
- 53% of veteran gun owners do not store all their guns securely.
- Increasing time and distance between a gun and someone in crisis can prevent impulsive actions and save lives.
By locking firearms, reaching out for help, and building supportive networks, we can prevent suicides and protect the lives of those at risk.
Our partners
The Lock. Call. Live. campaign is made possible through collaboration with:
- Stop Soldier Suicide
- Veterans Bridge Home
- Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Office
- North Carolina Army National Guard
- Triangle Shooting Academy
- The Joel Fund
- The Poe Center
- Alliance Health
Together, we are committed to breaking mental health stigma and empowering individuals to take small, lifesaving steps.
Where to find help
If you or someone you know is in crisis, don't wait. Reach out:
- Call or text: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Dial 988 then Press 1
- Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/
- Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
Spread the word
Help us share this campaign and Michael’s story. Use the hashtag #LockCallLive and follow us on social media for updates, resources and more ways to get involved.
Share Lock. Call. Live with your friends and network. Check out our toolkit below.