Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to double its donation to Walk the Talk America (WTTA), an organization founded in 2018 by industry veteran Michael Sodini. Through formal programs, outreach and engagement with the mental health and gun communities, WTTA aspires to reduce firearm suicides through effective and targeted programs that start with the perspective of gun owners. WTTA approaches the issue of gun suicide with a unique perspective, offering training to gun owners and retailers, as well as mental health professionals. Their Cultural Competency Classes seek to educate mental health professionals on the values and beliefs of gun owners by bringing these professionals to the shooting range so they have hands-on experience and can better engage and communicate with members. of the community of firearms owners.
“Partnering with industry leaders like Ruger helps expand our reach, taking significant steps toward achieving our mission,” said Sodini. “The financial support and increased marketing Ruger provides will help us spread our message to a broader audience, which will save lives.”
Ruger initially donated $25,000 in the fall of 2021 to help the WTTA raise awareness of its initiatives and bring together industry leaders to create programs to reduce gun violence, neglect, suicide and the trauma associated with these events. . In June, Ruger Chairman and CEO Chris Killoy doubled the pledge with another $25,000 pledge.
“We are incredibly proud to increase our support for Walk the Talk America,” said Killoy. “It is an honor to contribute to their mission to destigmatize honest conversations about suicide and firearms to help save lives, and we are grateful that such an organization exists.” Ruger also plans to embed Walk the Talk America information on every box of firearms products by January 2023. For more information on how to participate, visit WalkTheTalkAmerica.org.
The press release can be accessed through the following link:
About Walk the Talk America
Our mission is to fund research and development for mental health outreach and promotion to reduce misconceptions and prejudices that exist when it comes to mental illness and firearms. We believe we can be a catalyst for change by working with experts in the mental health industry.