Q&A: Building Trust Between Mental Health and Firearm Communities
As communities across the country explore new approaches to suicide prevention, few have built stronger partnerships between mental health organizations and firearm retailers than those in Johnson County, Kansas.
Jared Avilez, Community Prevention Coordinator with the Johnson County Mental Health Center, has helped lead that effort by bringing The Armory Project into his community. Through relationship building, technical assistance, and a shared commitment to protecting lives, Johnson County has grown from a handful of conversations with local firearm retailers into a statewide model that includes storage partners, legislative protections, and expanding partnerships.
We sat down with Jared to discuss what he’s learned, what surprised him, and what advice he has for other communities.
A Conversation with Jared Avilez of the Johnson County Mental Health Center
As communities across the country explore new approaches to suicide prevention, few have built stronger partnerships between mental health organizations and firearm retailers than those in Johnson County, Kansas.
Jared Avilez, Community Prevention Coordinator with the Johnson County Mental Health Center, has helped lead that effort by bringing The Armory Project into his community. Through relationship building, technical assistance, and a shared commitment to protecting lives, Johnson County has grown from a handful of conversations with local firearm retailers into a statewide model that includes storage partners, legislative protections, and expanding partnerships.
We sat down with Jared to discuss what he’s learned, what surprised him, and what advice he has for other communities.
Q: What made The Armory Project stand out compared to other suicide prevention initiatives?
Jared Avilez: We were already doing suicide prevention outreach with firearm retailers before we ever heard about The Armory Project. Through one of our colleagues at the Kansas City VA, we learned about TAP and really loved the concept of voluntary temporary out-of-home firearm storage as another option for people going through a difficult time.
We researched several programs, but what really separated The Armory Project was the ongoing support.
The Community of Practice calls create a network where firearm retailers can learn from one another, ask questions, and know they’re not alone in this work. Suicide prevention can be emotionally challenging, and having that built-in support system makes a tremendous difference. It creates camaraderie instead of leaving partners to figure everything out on their own.
Q: How do conversations typically go when recruiting firearm retailers?
Jared: Honestly, they’re overwhelmingly positive.
Most firearm retailers already understand there’s a need. They’re already aware of the connection between suicide and firearms, so I don’t spend much time leading with statistics.
Instead, I focus on introducing another resource they can offer customers.
Many retailers have experienced situations where someone purchased a firearm and later died by suicide. Those experiences stay with them, and many genuinely want to help prevent future tragedies.
Of course, every shop is different. Some are hesitant at first, especially regarding out-of-home storage, but most are receptive because the conversation centers around helping people in a way that respects firearm ownership.
Q: What are the biggest concerns retailers have before becoming storage partners?
Jared: Liability is almost always the first question.
Retailers want to know whether they’ll be held responsible if someone stores a firearm, retrieves it later, and something tragic happens.
Fortunately, we were able to show examples from other states where programs had operated successfully and explain that there simply wasn’t evidence of retailers being sued over these situations.
We also connected shops directly with The Armory Project’s technical experts whenever more complex legal or operational questions came up.
One important thing retailers realize is that The Armory Project doesn’t create new regulations. Every FFL continues operating exactly as they always have. TAP simply provides an additional framework and resource that retailers can use at their own discretion.
Later, Kansas passed civil liability protections modeled after legislation in Louisiana and Arkansas, making those conversations even easier.
Q: As someone bridging the mental health and firearm communities, what challenges come with your role?
Jared: My job already involves difficult conversations about people’s lives.
What The Armory Project gave us was a simple, tangible resource that both communities could rally around.
When I tell people I work for the mental health center and spend time in gun shops talking about suicide prevention, some people assume those worlds don’t fit together.
But they absolutely do.
Both communities care about protecting lives.
That’s where the conversation starts—not politics, not stereotypes—but the shared value of keeping people safe while respecting their rights.
Q: What advice would you give retailers after they’ve experienced a difficult customer interaction?
Jared: Don’t keep it bottled up.
Talk with your staff. Talk with trusted friends. Join a Community of Practice call. Share your experience.
One retailer called us after a father returned the firearm his son had used to die by suicide. The father understandably blamed the retailer, and that weighed heavily on him.
Another retailer experienced a suicide on their shooting range.
Those situations stay with people.
Just like we safety check a firearm before stepping onto the range, we need to “safety check” our own minds too.
Having someone to debrief with is incredibly important.
And outside of work, don’t forget your hobbies. Spend time with family. Go outside. Create healthy distance between yourself and emotionally difficult situations.
Q: What can firearm owners do today if they’re not experiencing a mental health crisis to be prepared for an unexpected decline in the future?
Jared: Gun owners pride themselves on being prepared.
We prepare for home defense.
We prepare for emergencies.
But are we preparing for unexpected challenges with our own mental health?
I often describe responsible firearm ownership the same way we think about car insurance.
Nobody plans on getting into an accident.
But we still prepare.
Responsible storage is part of responsible firearm ownership.
Just like we train with our firearms and practice safe handling, we should also think ahead about what we’d do if life suddenly became overwhelming.
Q: What’s been the key to successfully recruiting storage partners?
Jared: Relationship building.
This is absolutely the long game.
One mistake people make is asking a retailer to become a storage partner during the very first conversation.
I never do that.
The first conversation is simply about introducing the program and asking for their thoughts.
Listen more than you talk.
You also may not be speaking with the actual decision-maker.
One retailer I visited quarterly for nearly two years kept saying they weren’t quite ready.
One day, the owner happened to overhear our conversation, invited me into his office, and after one discussion they became a storage partner.
Relationships matter.
Patience matters.
Keep showing up.
Q: How do in-home storage devices complement suicide prevention?
Jared: Responsible storage isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Some people use cable locks.
Others use quick-access storage designed for home defense while preventing unauthorized access by children or visitors.
Responsible storage also creates something incredibly important during a mental health crisis: time and distance.
Many suicide attempts occur during a short period of intense crisis.
Creating even a small barrier between someone and immediate access to a firearm can provide enough time for that moment to pass or for someone to seek help.
These devices don’t eliminate someone’s ability to defend themselves.
They simply add another layer of protection.
Q: What advice would you give communities interested in starting a program like this?
Jared: You don’t have to be a firearm expert.
You don’t have to be military.
You don’t have to know everything about firearm culture.
Your job is simply to have conversations about protecting life.
Walk into a gun shop with curiosity.
Learn from the retailer.
Most firearm retailers are far more willing to have these conversations than many people assume.
If both sides approach one another with respect and a willingness to learn, you’ll be surprised how much common ground already exists.
Q: Some new storage partners are eager to help but may not immediately store firearms. How do you manage expectations?
Jared: That’s actually a really important conversation.
Our very first storage partner waited nearly eight months before helping their first storage customer.
But they still made a difference every day.
They displayed educational materials.
They handed out 988 information.
They talked with customers.
Some retailers make more referrals than they perform storage transactions.
Success isn’t measured only by the number of firearms stored.
Sometimes success is simply having one conversation that changes the direction of someone’s day.
Q: How do you avoid placing unrealistic expectations on firearm retailers?
Jared: We never expect retailers to become mental health professionals.
They’re already doing far more than many people realize.
Retailers are constantly evaluating customers, asking questions, and making judgment calls about whether something feels right before completing a firearm sale.
The Armory Project doesn’t add a completely new responsibility.
It gives them another resource for those moments when something doesn’t feel right.
Rather than creating another task, it strengthens the work they’re already doing.
Q: Finally, what helps you personally recharge after doing emotionally demanding work?
Jared: I’m an outdoorsman.
I love hunting.
I love fishing.
I enjoy getting out on my kayak and simply disconnecting from my phone.
Being outside gives me peace.
I also make time to connect with people who matter to me—especially my brother, who’s a veteran.
Sometimes laughing with someone you care about is exactly what you need to step out of stress and reset.
Don’t isolate yourself.
Stay connected with your people.
A Shared Mission
Jared’s experience demonstrates that successful suicide prevention partnerships don’t begin with expertise. They begin with relationships.
Whether you’re a mental health professional, firearm retailer, or firearm owner, the common goal remains the same. Saving lives.
By meeting people where they are, respecting their values, and building trust over time, communities can create practical, voluntary solutions that strengthen both mental health and responsible firearm ownership.
Welcome to our 13 newest partners!
We are thrilled to welcome our newest partners to The Armory Project. Last month, we had 13 partners go through the onboarding process to officially join TAP.
We are happy to welcome…
Louisiana
Acadiana Guns and Ammo (Partner) — 1020 Jolie Blonde Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
Bang Switch Armory (Partner) — 783 Ervin Cotton Rd, Eros, LA 71238
Be Prepared (Partner) — 1931 S Southland Ave, Gonzales, LA 70737
Bernard's Apiaries, Inc. (Partner)— 1025 Saint Bernard St, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
Bullets Barrels and Blades (Partner) — 614 Linsey's Rd, Hessmer, LA 71341
Delta Parts and Supply Ferriday (Partner) — 8134 Hwy 84, Ferriday, LA 71334
Griffin Security Supply, LLC (Partner) — 215 Railroad St, Bernice, LA 71222
Rawls Pharmacy (Partner) — 36009 Hwy 38, Mount Hermon, LA, 70450
Kansas
Olathe Gun Shop (Supporter) — 716-A South Rogers Rd, Olathe, KS 66062
Stagecoach Arms (Partner) — 686 S. Evergreen Street, Gardner, KS 66030
Nevada
BF Guns & Gear (Partner) — 171 W. Silver St, Elko, NV 89801
Reno Guns & Range (Partner) — 2325 Market St, Reno, NV 89502
Florida
Glitter & Gunpowder, Inc (Partner) — 20370 SW 119th Ave, Miami, FL 33177
SHOT Business: “Beyond Measure - An uncomfortable discussion among friends put Caleb Morse on a life-changing course”
No one likes talking about suicide. When Caleb Morse opened up The Rustic Renegade gun store in Lafeyette, Louisiana, having discussions about suicide was the last thing on his mind. But when a friend he served with came into the store and told Morse that he didn’t want his guns anymore, Morse didn’t shy away from the conversation.
“No one likes talking about suicide. When Caleb Morse opened up The Rustic Renegade gun store in Lafeyette, Louisiana, having discussions about suicide was the last thing on his mind. But when a friend he served with came into the store and told Morse that he didn’t want his guns anymore, Morse didn’t shy away from the conversation.”
New York Post: “Pistol-packing pharmacist makes living selling drugs and guns — all in one”
“John Lykins is a drug-dealing gun seller — and darn proud of it.
The enterprising Arkansas businessman owns and runs Lowell Pharmacy, a friendly neighborhood hangout where folks can sit on the soda fountain stools, get a prescription refilled — or purchase a Glock 22.”
“John Lykins is a drug-dealing gun seller — and darn proud of it.
The enterprising Arkansas businessman owns and runs Lowell Pharmacy, a friendly neighborhood hangout where folks can sit on the soda fountain stools, get a prescription refilled — or purchase a Glock 22.
Lykins, a licensed pharmacist, has been operating his drug store in Lowell, just outside Fayetteville, since 2003. He got his federal firearms license in 2008.”
A Community-Based Approach to Suicide Prevention Is Taking Hold in Arkansas
“A Navy veteran, Kelly Waters has lost five fellow comrades to suicide by firearm over the past eight years. Having struggled with his own mental health, he has made it his new mission to support others in similar situations by partnering with The Armory Project (TAP).”
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention wrote an article highlighting one of The Armory Project’s Arkansas partners, Kelly Waters, and how he got involved with TAP.
The Armory Project Awarded Face the Fight Grant Funding
The Armory Project is honored to announce that it has been selected as one of 27 nonprofit organizations to receive a grant through the Face the Fight® Awards, which is distributing $16.5 million in new grants to strengthen community-driven veteran suicide prevention efforts.
The Armory Project is honored to announce that it has been selected as one of 27 nonprofit organizations to receive a grant through the Face the Fight® Awards, which is distributing $16.5 million in new grants to strengthen community-driven veteran suicide prevention efforts.
Launched in 2023 by USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation, Face the Fight aims to reduce veteran suicides by supporting evidence-based strategies, strengthening peer support networks, expanding access to care, and fostering protective community environments. The initiative has impacted over 355,000 lives, screened 245,000 veterans, and provided care to more than 40,000 veterans.
Growing Our Mission with New Support
With support from the Face the Fight grant and through LSU Health Foundation, The Armory Project will expand its capacity to provide education, training, and resources that make it easier for businesses and communities to offer voluntary and temporary out-of-home firearm storage for suicide prevention and to connect Veterans and other firearm owners with mental health resources. .
About Face the Fight®
Face the Fight® is a life-saving initiative established in 2023 by USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation to reduce veteran suicide by investing in evidence-based, community-grounded strategies. Its mission is to support nonprofit partners across the nation in strengthening peer support networks, expanding access to care, and creating protective environments that foster resilience.
To learn more about Face the Fight and its grantees, visit WeFaceTheFight.org.
Project ChildSafe Guest Article: “A Spectrum of Storage Options for Preventing Firearm Suicide”
Dr. Claire Houtsma and Dr. Gala True were able to highlight the importance of The Armory Project in this recent blog article with Project Child Safe!
Dr. Claire Houtsma and Dr. Gala True were able to highlight the importance of The Armory Project in this recent blog article with Project Child Safe!
Welcome to our recent partners
The Armory Project started in Louisiana with our first partners in 2021. Currently, we have over 40 partners combined throughout the states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, Arizona and Florida.
Last month, a whopping 10 partners joined TAP! We are happy to welcome...
Louisiana
Louisiana Range Gun Club
313 W Lafayette St. Maurice, LA 70555Jefferson Gun Outlet and Jefferson Indoor Range
6719 Airline Dr. Suite A & B Metairie, LA 70003Shane's Guns
604 West Main St. Suite B Oak Grove, LA 71263Diamond Gun and Outdoor
8203 Desiard St. Monroe, LA 71203Army National Guard Unit 528 - Engineering Battalion
500 Central Ave. Monroe, LA 71203Pendleton Gun and Pawn (Supporter)
30618 Hwy 191. Many, LA 71449The Shooters Club (Supporter)
2338 Hickory Ave. Harahan, LA 70123
Arkansas
Anwika Arms
574 Ouachita 11 Camden, AR 71701Diamond State Arms
2096 AR-16 Searcy, AR 72143Chicken City Gunworks
105 E Robinson Ave. Springdale, AR 72764
Gun Talk Nation: Saving Lives – Walk the Talk America & The Armory Project
We joined the Gun Talk Nation podcast! Our own Gala True sat down with host Ryan Gresham and Mike Sodini of Walk the Talk America to share how The Armory Project is working with partners to expand voluntary firearm storage, reduce stigma around mental health, and strengthen the 2A community.
We joined the Gun Talk Nation podcast!
Our own Gala True sat down with host Ryan Gresham and Mike Sodini of Walk the Talk America to share how The Armory Project is working with partners to expand voluntary firearm storage, reduce stigma around mental health, and strengthen the 2A community.
The episode covers:
How Louisiana is leading with a model for voluntary gun storage that could work nationwide.
What FFLs can do to safely offer storage without legal liability.
Why building bridges between mental health professionals and firearm owners matters.
Real examples of how storage options have already helped people in crisis.
We’re grateful for the chance to highlight this work and proud to be part of a conversation that’s about solutions, not division.
The Armory Project was featured in NSSF’s “Have a Brave Conversation” newsletter
The Armory Project was featured in the first edition of NSSF’s “Have a Brave Conversation” newsletter as a “Highlight from the Community.”
“The Armory Project (TAP) helps prevent firearm suicide by facilitating safe, voluntary out-of-home firearm storage with trusted firearm retailers and other vetted partners in local communities. Founded by Dr. Gala True of the VA and Caleb Morse, of the Rustic Renegade in Lafayette, Louisiana, TAP is rapidly expanding its firearm retailer partners in Louisiana and Arkansas and consults with interested FFLs in other states. TAP played a significant role in Louisiana passing a civil liability relief law to protect FFLs upon the return of firearm being temporarily held. Such laws are gaining traction around the U.S.”
TAP and Cannon Securities Collaboration Announcement
The Armory Project (TAP) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Cannon Security Products, a leading high-quality safe and lockbox provider. This partnership is a significant step toward our mission of promoting responsible gun ownership by making gun storage solutions more affordable and accessible to firearm owners nationwide. Cannon Security Products has provided a 40% discount code for their GunVault line of products to those who qualify for the discount.
The Armory Project (TAP) is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Cannon Security Products, a leading high-quality safe and lockbox provider. This partnership is a significant step toward our mission of promoting responsible gun ownership by making gun storage solutions more affordable and accessible to firearm owners nationwide. Cannon Security Products has provided a 40% discount code for their GunVault line of products to those who qualify for the discount.
Why This Matters
Preventing unauthorized access is a critical component of reducing negative outcomes from firearms. By offering easier access to safes and lock boxes, this program aims to:
Enhance home safety: Protect your loved ones and prevent unauthorized access.
Reduce firearm theft: Safeguard firearms from theft and misuse.
Support suicide prevention efforts: Promote storage practices that can save lives.
Pilot Program Launch
As part of this partnership, three of TAP’s existing partners will pilot the program in their communities:
These partners will be the first locations where gun owners can access discounted secure storage products and educational resources from The Armory Project and Walk the Talk America. The insights gained from this pilot will help us refine and expand the program for broader implementation.
We are pleased that Walk the Talk America will be part of this collaboration. WTTA, a non-profit dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health and responsible gun ownership, will provide educational materials as part of this new initiative.
About The Armory Project
The Armory Project works to provide innovative solutions to improve firearm safety and mental health resources across the United States. By collaborating with industry leaders and community partners, we’re building a future where responsible gun ownership is accessible to everyone.
Arkansas ACT 106
The enactment of Arkansas ACT 106 is a significant step toward making voluntary firearm hold agreements more accessible to gun owners. Modeled on legislation first passed in Louisiana in 2022, this law provides civil immunity to federal firearms licensees (FFLs) in Arkansas who agree to store firearms for individuals.
The enactment of Arkansas ACT 106 is a significant step toward making voluntary firearm hold agreements more accessible to gun owners. Modeled on legislation first passed in Louisiana in 2022, this law provides civil immunity to federal firearms licensees (FFLs) in Arkansas who agree to store firearms for individuals.
At The Armory Project, we recognize that responsible gun ownership may include voluntary storage of firearms outside the home during a time of need. Too often, legal uncertainties and liability concerns discourage FFLs from offering this service, creating unnecessary barriers to help. ACT 106 removes this roadblock, allowing gun owners to voluntarily store their firearms without fear of legal repercussions for the FFL.
We were proud to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and our TAP FFL partners in Arkansas in passing this positive legislation for gun owners, which aligns with our mission of presenting practical solutions that prioritize Second Amendment rights and responsible firearm ownership. By ensuring that gun owners have a trusted, legal avenue to transfer possession of their firearms temporarily, we’re providing options for gun owners who may be dealing with some mental health challenges and reducing the number of people lost to negative firearms outcomes.
We encourage you to stay informed and advocate for policies that empower responsible gun owners. To learn more about safe firearm storage options or how you can support initiatives like this, visit our website, armoryproject.org.