Mental Health Resources

in Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties and Beyond

Firearm Safety & Suicide Prevention

Firearms are part of many Wisconsin homes and communities. They are also involved in many suicide deaths, particularly among men. A suicidal crisis can develop quickly, and immediate access to a firearm can turn a temporary moment of intense distress into an irreversible loss.

Firearm safety is not about judgment or taking away someone’s rights. It is about protecting ourselves and the people we care about. Secure storage and temporary changes in access can create time and distance during a crisis – giving someone an opportunity to pause, reach out and receive support. This page offers practical information and resources to help firearm owners, families and communities take steps that can save lives.

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Project Safeguard

Project Safeguard is a Wisconsin suicide prevention initiative that brings together firearm owners, gun shops, shooting ranges and mental health partners. Locally, Community for Hope, the Captain John D. Mason Veteran Peer Outreach Program and The Connection are working together to expand participation in Wisconsin’s Gun Shop Project and Safe Storage Program, known as Live Today – Put It Away.

The program trains firearm retailers and range staff to recognize signs that someone may be in crisis and connect them with helpful resources. Participating businesses may also offer voluntary, temporary firearm storage for people experiencing a crisis or concerned about someone in their household. Temporarily storing a firearm outside the home creates time and distance during a difficult period – and can help prevent an irreversible loss.

Learn More About Project Safeguard

Find Temporary Storage Near You

Use the map to find Wisconsin gun shops and ranges that provide voluntary, temporary firearm storage.

Open the firearm-storage map in a new window

Participating gun shops and ranges on this map voluntarily offer temporary firearm storage for no fee or a low fee. Contact the business before visiting to confirm its availability, requirements and procedures. Firearms should be unloaded before they are transported.

Worried About Someone Who Has Access to a Firearm?

Take your concerns seriously. You do not have to manage the situation alone.

    • Ask directly if the person is thinking about suicide.
    • Listen calmly and without judgment. Do not argue, lecture or shame them.
    • Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts or plans secret.
    • Call or text 988 for guidance and crisis support.
    • Create time and distance from firearms. When it can be done safely and voluntarily, arrange for temporary storage through a participating firearm retailer or range.
    • Do not put yourself in danger or try to physically take a firearm from someone. If there is an immediate threat, move to safety and call 911.
    • Stay connected with the person and follow up after the immediate crisis.

    Help is available: Call or text 988

    Veterans and their loved ones can call 988 and press 1 or text 838255.

    Learn more about safe, voluntary firearm storage through Project Safeguard and Live Today — Put It Away.