A new Wake County campaign is aiming to curb the trend of veterans who die by suicide using a gun.

Wake County is launching a program called "Lock. Call. Live." to address the devastating impact of firearm suicide through education, empathy and action. The county has about 55,000 veterans.

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The campaign encourages secure storage, reaching out for help and living through life’s hardest moments – because crises don’t have to be permanent.

"I had my mind made up and I was on my way," said a man named Michael Rimar, who survived his suicide attempt.

Rimar is a rare survivor of a suicide attempt. He said he tried to kill himself with a gun.

"The second I pulled the trigger, I knew I messed up," he said. "Most people don’t get a second chance."

Although Rimar is not a veteran, county leaders said his story resonates with the reality faced by many who serve.

Every day, more than 20 veterans die by suicide, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs.

"After serving overseas for 20 years in combat, veterans can’t help but come back home and feel maybe isolated [with a] loss of identity, a loss of a mission," said Wake County Division Director for Veteran Services Siobhan Norris.

The nonprofit Stop Solider Suicide found:

  • 71% of veterans who die by suicide use a gun
    • 82% of veterans using a gun 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 gun.

        Norris said between 2020-2023 in Wake County, 64% of veteran suicides involved a gun.

        "Lock. Call. Live. is encouraging a behavioral change in individuals who are experiencing a crisis to separate from their weapon, so they can live to see another day," Rimar said.

        The goal is for veterans to lock up their guns and call for help if they feel an impulse.

        The program encourages people to call the 988 suicide hotline if they need too. Veterans can press "1" after dialing the number for help specific to those who serve. Also, veterans can visit Wake County's website or text "838255."

        "Don’t let a moment of despair define your life," Rimar said.

        Nationwide, Stop Soldier Suicide found that known mental health problems were present in only 39% of veterans who died using a firearm.

        Get help

        If you're having suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.