Brand New Firearms Safety Program

McHenry County, IL – The McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force (MCSPTF) and NAMI of McHenry County are proud to announce the launch of the county’s first large-scale firearms safety program, thanks to a generous grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The new initiative will enhance public safety and reduce firearm-related incidents by providing critical resources for safe firearm ownership, including gun locks and safes, firearms safety education, and awareness around the state’s Firearm Restraining Order (FRO) process.

This program aims to address the need for increased firearm safety and support mental health awareness within McHenry County communities. As part of this initiative, NAMI of McHenry County will distribute free gun locks and safes to eligible residents, ensuring that firearms are securely stored and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.

Additionally, the program will feature a series of educational workshops and seminars designed to inform residents about the importance of safe firearm handling, storage, and maintenance. These sessions will be led by the program’s firearm safe storage coordinator, offering vital information on reducing risks associated with firearm ownership.
The program will also focus on educating the public about Firearm Restraining Orders (FROs), a legal tool that allows family members and law enforcement to petition for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed to pose a risk to themselves or others. Understanding how to access this resource can be an essential step in preventing suicide and protecting community members from harm.

“We are incredibly excited to be able to offer these resources to our community,” said Abbey Nicholas, Executive Director of NAMI of McHenry County. “With the support of the Illinois Department of Public Health, we are taking an important step forward in ensuring that firearms are stored and handled responsibly, while also promoting education on mental health and suicide prevention. Our goal is to create a safer environment for everyone in McHenry County.”

McHenry County residents who are interested in the program can reach out for more information on upcoming workshops, gun lock and safe distributions, and other available resources.
For more information about the program or to get involved, please visit https://www.mchenrycountysptf.org/firearms-safety or contact education@namimch.org

About NAMI of McHenry County:
NAMI of McHenry County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by mental illness through advocacy, education, support, and public awareness. With a mission to build better lives for those impacted by mental health conditions, NAMI of McHenry County provides a range of free services, resources, and programs aimed at reducing stigma and improving access to care.

About the McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force:
The McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force, established in 2010, was created in response to rising suicide rates and began as a collaboration between local organizations, including the McHenry County Coroner’s Office and Centegra Health System. Since 2014, the Task Force has worked with the McHenry County Mental Health Board to expand suicide prevention efforts, offering education, awareness, and QPR Gatekeeper trainings. To date, over 30,000 individuals from various sectors have been trained, and the Task Force has developed a network of over 40 QPR instructors in the county.