L.O.C.K.: A Path to Safety
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Here are important resources to share throughout the month of September and year-round:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Same Day Mental Health Services
- Virginia Community Services Boards (CSBs) - see map below
- National Alliance for Mental Illness
- Mental Health Conversations in Your Community
- Lock and Talk Virginia
- Use Veterans Crisis Chat on the web
Lock Boxes
Lock and Talk’s partners provide free safety devices to secure guns and medications and offer free educational materials and guidelines about storing and securing lethal means. Utilize your Community Services Board for these resources. See images below for examples of what is available.
Medication lock box and firearm lock box
Metal firearm trigger lock and firearm cable lock
Social Media Kit
For Virginia CSBs and community partners
You may share these posts on your own social media platforms or simply share them from the Lock and Talk Virginia Facebook and Instagram pages.
Poster to display during the month:
Key messages to share throughout the month:
L.O.C.K. A Path to Safety
L - Look for warning signs: Recognize the warning signs of someone who may be at risk, such as changes in behavior, withdrawal from activities, giving away possessions, or expressing feelings of hopelessness.
O - Offer support: Offer space to talk, listen to how they are feeling, and show genuine empathy. Let them know they are not alone and that there are people who care about their well-being.
C - Communicate concerns: Express concerns about a friend or loved one's well-being. Ask directly about thoughts of suicide and encourage them to seek professional help.
K - Keep safe from lethal means: Remove access to lethal means by safely storing or removing items such as firearms, medications, or dangerous objects to create a safe environment.
L.O.C.K highlights essential steps to increase awareness of suicide warning signs and promoting safety. Looking for warning signs, offering support, communicating concerns, and keeping lethal means secure are all necessary tools for keeping our loved one safe.
For immediate help, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988. Call 911 for immediate medical emergencies.
For more information, visit lockandtalk.org/lock