Firearm and Lethal Means Safety

The Comprehensive Suicide Prevention program includes a focus on lethal means safety and preventing firearm suicides. Initiatives include:

• Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) training and CALM Train-the-Trainer
  • CALM is a practical intervention to increase the time and distance between individuals at risk of suicide and the most common and lethal methods of suicide, particularly firearms. The oldest and most widely used training on lethal means safety, CALM teaches why means matter and equips individuals with tools to intervene effectively with those at risk for suicide both upstream – before a crisis happens – as well as in times of crisis.
  • Download this flyer for more information.
• Supporting communities interested in creating local Firearm Safety Teams
  • In 1999, the Durham County Board of Health set forth a resolution to address gun violence within their community. Understanding that gun violence is a public health issue, the Durham County Gun Safety Team (DCGST) was established. Over the past 20 years, this nonpartisan, apolitical committee has functioned as a multidisciplinary team housed within the Durham County Department of Public Health.
  • The NC CSP program created an updated “quick start guide” in 2024 to provide an increased focus on firearm suicide. This implementation guide is based on the DCGST’s original implementation guide. By providing an easy-to-use model, each county can use this guide as a springboard to create their own firearm safety team and adapt it to their unique setting.
  • Download the guide here.