Locks For Guns, Meds Aimed At Suicide Prevention In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The City of Alexandria has joined an effort to limit access to lethal means for those considering suicide. The city is offering free locking medication boxes and firearm trigger or cable locks.

The free locks are part of the Lock and Talk Virginia initiative, which aims at safe and responsible care of guns and medication around the state. The initiative cites studies showing people are three times more likely to die by suicide when guns are accessible. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in Virginia. It's the second leading cause of death for the 15-34 age group and fourth for the 35-54 age group.

Prevention efforts are aimed at restricting access to these lethal means and talking with those who are considering suicide. The city's free firearm locks and medication lock boxes come with information on safe handling and tips on securing firearms and medications.

Alexandria residents and employees can obtain the free locks by calling 703-746-3436.

If you're looking for other ways to get involved with suicide prevention, check out the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's National Capital Area Chapter, whose board is led by Alexandria's own Ali Walker. The chapter has announced four Out of the Darkness Community Walks this fall. To register or donate, click on each link.

• Sept. 8 - Manassas, VA
• Sept. 14 - Leesburg, VA
• Oct. 5 - Fairfax, VA
• Nov. 2 - Washington, D.C.

Last year the DC area chapter raised nearly $600,000 for suicide prevention efforts through its Out of the Darkness Walks. The foundation as a whole aims at reducing the U.S.suicide rate by 20 percent by the year 2025.

If you or a loved one is thinking about suicide, reach out for help 24/7 by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.