Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Service’s Board is proud to announce their participation in a region-wide effort entitled “Lock & Talk Virginia”. The purpose of the campaign is to encourage those who suspect somone of having thoughts of suicide to step in. Lock guns, lock medication, and talk safety.
This type of campaign is often referred to as a “Lethal Means Safety” campaign where the means of completing suicide is inaccessible. In our specific community that is firearms and overdose. To this end, the HRCSB is offering prescription medication lock boxes and trigger locks free of charge. The trigger lock that we have is compatible with all firearms, except for Glock handguns. We are currently working on acquiring chain locks, which will work on all handguns including Glocks. If you would like a medication lock box or trigger lock please email Brandy at bhaden@hrcsb-client-stage.stage4.estlandhosting.com.
The prescription medication lock boxes hold up to six prescription pill cases. Families are cautioned to inventory their prescriptions and over the counter medication, secure them, take medications strictly as directed, and properly dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications. Disposing of medications can be done safely in one of two ways.
The first safe method of disposing medication is participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back days with the City Police Department and the County Sherriff’s Department, both of which happen periodically during the year. The other option is to take a Ziploc bag filled 2/3rds of the way full of cat litter, and put the unwanted medication in the bag with about a 1/4th of a cup of water. The water dissolves the medication, but the cat litter prevents it from entering our water supply. For this reason please, do NOT flush unwanted medication down the toilet. Once dissolved, the bag can be thrown away in the garbage.
The next, and arguably most important portion of this campaign, is to encourage people to voice their concerns by talking early and often about mental health with those you care. Suicide is complicated and tragic but it is often preventable. Let’s start by limiting access to lethal means, and having a courageous conversation about suicide—you can only pursue help if you know help is needed.
If you — or someone you know — needs help, please call 1.800.273.8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
For the HRCSB’s 24-hours Emergency Services, please call 540.434.1766.
Brandy Haden
M.Ed., Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinator
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board