Montana Woman Takes Action to Reduce Suicide Rates with Free Gun Locks Giveaway

Life in Helena, Montana is a constant juggling act for Ali Mullen. Her days are a whirlwind of work, parenting, and community activities, all against the backdrop of the state's high rate of suicides.

From her job at the county health department, Ali rushes to pick up dinner for her three children. After feeding them, she heads out for a violin lesson or a school play, traversing the small city in her aging S.U.V. adorned with a rainbow bumper sticker that carries a message of love.

A Lifesaver and a Lifesaving Initiative

Amidst her daily routine, Ali carries an essential item in her handbag: a small, inexpensive gun lock. This unassuming device is a symbol of a larger effort to combat the high rate of suicides in the state. In a place where firearm ownership is common, these gun locks are a simple yet potentially life-saving intervention.

For the past year, Ali, 46, has been distributing these gun locks to anyone in the community who wants one. This initiative represents her personal contribution to addressing the complex issue of suicide in Montana.

Montanans like Ali are quietly but determinedly working to reduce the alarming statistics on self-harm in their state. Their efforts, whether through small gestures or community programs, reflect a collective commitment to tackling this pressing public health concern.