Walk the Talk America Joins National Panel on Firearm Suicide Prevention for Suicide Prevention Month - The Tactical Wire

WTTA leaders Mike Sodini and Kevin Berry joined the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative to discuss collaboration, stigma reduction, and community based prevention

For National Suicide Prevention Month, the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative (FIPI) hosted a webinar titled "Hope, Safety, and Support: A Conversation About Firearm Suicide Prevention," featuring Mike Sodini and Kevin Berry of Walk the Talk America (WTTA).

The discussion brought together voices from clinical research and community advocacy to explore the role of collaboration, understanding, and community engagement in preventing firearm suicide. Sodini and Berry were joined by FIPI's Emmy Betz, MD, MPH, and Chris Knoepke, PhD, who shared perspectives drawn from both personal and professional experience.

Panelists focused on practical, actionable approaches to prevention, including reducing stigma around mental health in the firearm owning community and creating supportive environments for individuals who may be struggling. The conversation also highlighted opportunities to build partnerships across communities and foster open dialogue around suicide prevention.

"Prevention happens when we connect people, not divide them," said Sodini. "Conversations like this one give us the chance to reach gun owners where they are, with resources and support that actually reflect their lives and values."

The full webinar recording is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh4hEd0g_H4.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Learn more about Walk the Talk America at wtta.org.

About Walk the Talk America: Walk the Talk America (WTTA) is a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health and responsible firearm ownership through education, cultural competency, suicide prevention initiatives, and collaborative partnerships. WTTA works with clinicians, firearm retailers, instructors, researchers, manufacturers, and community organizations to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health resources.