Lock and Talk

Lock and Talk is a suicide prevention strategy designed to limit access to firearms, poisons, and medication from someone who may be at risk of suicide. It is part of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention in Arlington County. Studies show that when firearms are accessible, individuals are more than three times likely to die by suicide and that the majority of people who die from suicide use firearms (61%) or poisons (19%). Limiting access (known as lethal means restriction) for a person in crisis is an essential strategy in suicide prevention.lockandtalklogo.jpeg

Lock and Talk goals are: 

  • Prevent suicides by restricting access to firearms and poisons during a mental health crisis. 
  • Educate the community about how to recognize and respond to warning signs. 
  • Encourage others to pass on knowledge. 

The best strategy for protecting a person at risk is to remove firearms from the home until a mental health crisis is resolved. However, when that is not possible, limiting access can help. 

The Prevention office in the Child and Family Services Division can provide free cable and trigger locks for firearms, as well as locking medication boxes. These items include information on safe handling and messaging, and tips to secure firearms and medications.
For more information about Lock & Talk, to schedule a presentation, or to obtain firearm devices or medication lockboxes, contact Mark Perez.

 

Prevention

Contact Us

  • Courtney Martin (she/her) - Prevention Specialist – 703-228-1547
  • Danielle Burnett (she/her) - Community and Family Engagement Coordinator - 703-228-1671
  • Leonardo Espiña  (he/him) - Parent Education Coordinator – 571-400-8855
  • Linh Nghe (he/him) - Prevention Director, TNB & APCYF – 703-228-1528
  • Mark Perez (he/him) - Prevention Specialist – 703-228-1525

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