Beginning January 1, 2026, and while supplies last, the City of Montgomery will offer free cable gun locks and self-locking prescription pill vials to residents. This new effort builds on the City’s ongoing mental health initiative, which began in 2022, and reflects a continued commitment to community safety and well-being.
Why This Matters
In the United States, firearms are the leading method of suicide, accounting for roughly half of all suicide deaths each year. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 26,000 Americans died by firearm suicide in 2023, representing about 55% of all gun deaths. Suicide by firearm is particularly lethal — attempts with guns result in death more than 85% of the time, compared to less than 5% for most other methods. The rapid lethality of a gun means that there is often little opportunity for intervention once an attempt begins, which is why prevention efforts increasingly focus on limiting immediate access to firearms during periods of crisis.
How Gun Locks Help
Cable gun locks are a simple, inexpensive, and highly effective tool in reducing the risk of firearm suicide. By physically blocking the gun’s chamber or magazine, they prevent a firearm from being loaded or fired quickly, adding a critical barrier during moments of impulsivity or emotional distress. Research has shown that safe storage practices, including the use of cable locks, can significantly lower the risk of suicide and unintentional injury, particularly in homes with children, teens, or individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Addressing Prescription Drug Risks
Prescription medication overdoses remain a serious public health concern in the United States, contributing significantly to the nation’s overdose crisis. In 2023, the CDC reported more than 14,000 deaths from prescription opioid overdoses prescription opioid overdoses, while thousands of other fatalities involved sedatives, benzodiazepines, and other controlled substances. Prescription drugs are also a frequent means of intentional overdose in suicide attempts—particularly among adolescents, older adults, and individuals with chronic
pain or mental health disorders.
The Role of Self-Locking Pill Vials
Self-locking prescription pill vials offer an important safeguard against these risks. These containers require a code to open, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users—such as children, teens, or visitors – to access the medications. By limiting impulsive access during a mental health crisis and preventing misuse or diversion, self-locking vials serve as a practical, evidence-based strategy for overdose prevention.
We are offering two free cable gun locks and self-locking prescription pill vials per resident while supplies last. Both are available at the Safety Center, 10150 Montgomery Road.
Additional Support for Residents
As a reminder, the City of Montgomery has taken a proactive step to support its residents’ mental health by partnering with Care Solace, a 24/7/365 mental health and social service care coordination service. Through this collaboration, residents have access to a “central hub of care” connecting them quickly with licensed providers, substance use treatment, and broader social support services regardless of their insurance status. Learn more about Care Solace.