Gun Locks and Medication Lock Boxes Available as Part of Suicide Prevention Efforts

Studies show that when firearms are accessible, individuals are three times more likely to die by suicide, and most people who die by suicide use firearms, poisons or medications. Help limit access to lethal means through locking devices and access help for people in need.
Page updated on March 29, 2023 at 6:02 PM
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Gun Locks and Medication Lock Boxes Available as Part of Suicide Prevent Efforts

A DCHS CONNECT HIGHLIGHT

 In the Local DVM News 

April 7, 2022- DCHS is collaborating with the Alexandria Circuit Court, the Alexandria Health Department and the Alexandria Police Department to make free gun locks and medication locking devices broadly available.

Studies show that when firearms are accessible, individuals are three times more likely to die by suicide, and most people who die by suicide use firearms, poisons or medications. Suicide and accidents can be prevented by limiting access to lethal means and talking with those who may want to end their lives. The best strategy for protecting a person at risk is to remove lethal means from the home until a mental health crisis is resolved.

Obtain firearm cable and trigger locks and medication lock boxes at the following locations and times, except holidays:

  • Court Office of the Clerk, 520 King Street, Room 307, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Gun locks only. 703.746.4044
  • Alexandria Health Department and DCHS, 4480 King Street, First and Fifth Floors, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 703.746.3382
  • DCHS, 2525 Mt. Vernon Avenue, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Call to verify hours due to pandemic-related operational changes. 703.746.5700

Alexandria Police Department officers and detectives will carry locking medication boxes in their vehicles.  This will allow the police to provide the boxes when they are out in the community.

The locking devices are an initiative of Lock and Talk Virginia, a suicide prevention program that aims to limit access to lethal means and raise awareness about suicide prevention, locally coordinated by the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern (SPAN) Virginia. 

Anyone at risk of suicide, or who knows someone at risk, should get help right away. Treatment works and people recover. Call PRS CrisisLink at 703.527.4077, text “CONNECT” to 85511 or call Alexandria Emergency Services at 703.746.3401. For life-threatening situations, call 911.

For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/go/2048 .