Free gun locks available to help protect veterans and their families

Health

May 14

Photo courtesy of Kent County Veterans Services

Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS) is offering free firearm cable locks to residents in an effort to help prevent veteran suicides, thanks to a generous donation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Beginning May 14, any Kent County resident can pick up a free firearm cable lock at the KCVS office at 836 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI.

More than 400 cable locks are available while supplies last. These devices are a simple but powerful tool for reducing access to firearms during moments of crisis, providing a critical pause that can help save lives.

"We’re honoring our veterans not just with words, but with action by providing gun locks to support safe storage and prevent tragedy," said Gayle Witham, Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs' Battle Creek VA Medical Center. "It’s a simple, powerful step to help keep veterans and their loved ones safe at home and in the community."

According to the Veteran Affairs 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 6,407 U.S. veterans died by suicide that year. By increasing access to gun safety resources, KCVS hopes to be part of the solution.

“Even one life lost is too many,” said Ryan Grams, Director, Kent County Veterans Services. “These gun locks are a small but potentially life-saving resource. We encourage veterans and their families to take advantage of this free tool as part of a broader approach to safety and wellness.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 then Press 1; chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat; or text 838255. This is a 24/7 Confidential Crisis Support Network.