Skip to content

Gun Shop Project

keep your friends and family safe

Would you recognize suicide risk if you saw it?

gun safety program

Safe Communities launched a replication of New Hampshire’s Project Connect Gun Shop Project in 2016. The program is promoted on Harvard University’s Means Matters website as a means reduction strategy.

The project was featured in a Wisconsin State Journal article by David Wahlberg:  “The Gun Shop Project is an educational campaign involving posters, brochures and tip sheets discussing proper handling and storage of guns and advice on preventing their use in suicides. 

STAY INFORMED
START HERE
RESOURCES
START HERE

signs to recognize

Retailers are urged to use extra caution in deciding whether to sell guns to people exhibiting signs they may be suicidal.

  • Having no knowledge about guns
  • Showing no interest in learning about guns
  • Not caring what kind of gun they purchase
  • Mentioning a recent crisis
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Appearing distraught

“Regular customers are asked to store guns outside of their home if a loved one is struggling emotionally with job loss, legal trouble, a relationship breakup or other kind of crisis.”

GUN SHOP PROJECT

our work in action

Gun Shop Project Success

In 2017, we made another round of visits to all Dane County gun shops to replenish supplies and gather feedback about their experience as Gun Shop Project participants.  Jean Papalia, our Gun Shop Project coordinator, visited 15 shops and secured commitment to continue with the program from the majority.

We have also expanded partnerships with two gun shops to include provision of safe gun storage for people experiencing a suicidal crisis, and development of guides and “contracts” to facilitate the process of safe storage.

Chuck Lovelace, owner of Essential Shooting Supplies and champion of The Gun Shop Project, received a BeSafe Award on October 19th, 2017 to recognize his unique contribution to suicide prevention.

Photo Credit: John Hart, Wisconsin State Journal

Looking for Safe Storage of Guns During a Crisis? Contact Participating Firearms Retailers

  • Max Creek Outdoors, Steve D’Orazio, 1042 Park Street, Oregon, WI (608) 835-3825
  • Mountain Man Guns, Daniel Yeager, N3062 Asje Road, Cambridge, WI (608) 424-3792

RESOURCES AND LINKS

Safe Communities is not a counseling or crisis center and does not provide direct services. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

RESOURCES

related news

RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE

Treatment Key

Safe communities has complied a list of abbreviation definitions for finding the right treatment for you.

MAT: Medication for Addiction Treatment.
OP: Outpatient Treatment – person lives at home or in the community, attends. individual and group therapy, these can include or not include MAT.
IOP: Intensive Outpatient Treatment – person lives at home or in the community, attends individual and extended groups, 9-12 hours a week.
Residential: person lives at the facility for a period of at least 14 days, some last as many as 45 days.
PHP: Partial Hospitalization Program is a structured mental health treatment program that runs for several hours each day, three to five days per week.
DBT: Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that integrates mindfulness techniques.

TREATMENT FACILITIES
START HERE
OTHER RESOURCES
START HERE