Ahead of this Veterans Day, Wake County unveils Lock. Call. Live., a public awareness campaign that highlights the importance of secure firearm storage and mental health support. This effort unites multiple veteran organizations, focusing on preventing suicide by creating separation between firearms and individuals at risk while encouraging them to seek support.
"Suicidal thoughts are often brief but having access to a gun in those moments can turn a passing thought into an irreversible tragedy," said Don Mial of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. "This campaign is about creating space for second chances by locking firearms and seeking support."
At the heart of this campaign is Michael Rimar, a survivor of a firearm suicide attempt. Although Rimar is not a veteran, his story resonates with the reality faced by many who serve. His candid testimony serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly despair can lead to life-threatening actions – and how critical it is to intervene before it’s too late.
Watch the powerful videos
The Lock. Call. Live. campaign features a series of impactful video public service announcements showcasing Rimar's story. In these clips, he shares his challenges with mental health and the lessons learned along his journey of recovery.
"I had my mind made up; I was on my way," Rimar shares in these videos. "But the moment I pulled the trigger, I knew I messed up."
These videos are designed to spark conversations about mental health and encourage individuals to secure their weapons and reach out for help.
You can watch and download the videos here.
A growing crisis among veterans
Launching ahead of Veterans Day, the Lock. Call. Live. campaign emphasizes the importance of reducing access to firearms, especially during moments of crisis. The campaign aligns with research from Stop Soldier Suicide showing that safe firearm storage saves lives:
- Nearly three out of four veterans who die by suicide use a firearm.
- 82% of veterans using a firearm died in their homes.
- 44% of veterans who died by firearm suicide had existing physical health problems, nearly double the rate of those who did not use a firearm.
- Alarmingly, known mental health problems were present in only 39% of veterans who died using a firearm.
Wake County Veteran Services data show from 2020 to 2023, 64% of all reported veteran suicides in the county involved a firearm.
Partnering for change
The Lock. Call. Live. campaign is a collaborative effort led by Wake County Veteran Services, supported by Stop Soldier Suicide, Veterans Bridge Home, Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Office, the North Carolina Army National Guard, Triangle Shooting Academy, The Joel Fund, The Poe Center, Alliance Health and many other service organizations.
The campaign emphasizes:
- Lock firearms to prevent impulsive actions.
- Call someone if you or someone you know is struggling.
- Live to see another day and make it through the moment of crisis.
Hope and Healing Through Stories
Rimar’s journey is one of recovery and resilience. "I live in recovery every day," he says. "But it started with small steps – doing the next right thing, moving a muscle to change a thought."
For more information about the Lock. Call. Live. campaign and to watch the powerful public service announcements featuring Rimar, visit wake.gov/lock-call-live.
