Gun Locks Distributed In Alexandria As Suicide Prevention Measure

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As part of a statewide suicide campaign that started in 2019, Alexandria Library began offering free gun locks to the public starting Thursday.

Lock and Talk Virginia is a campaign encouraging safe storage of guns, medications and other items that can be fatal. Participating locations may offer gun locks or medication lock boxes to help with suicide prevention. Locally, the effort is coordinated by the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia.

Lock and Talk advocates cite studies showing people are three times more likely to die by suicide when guns are accessible. Gun-related suicides account for the most suicides in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Alexandria Library's gun lock distribution includes gun cable and trigger locks available at no cost. They are available at four locations: Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke Street), Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen Street), Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Road) and James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Avenue).

The city already has medication lock boxes and gun cable and trigger locks available 24 hours per day at the Sheriff’s Office Visitor Center at the Alexandria Public Safety Center, 2003 Mill Road.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help. In Alexandria, emergency mental health services are available at 703-746-3401 or 911 for emergencies. Northern Virginia's PRS Crisis Link is available by texting "CONNECT" to 85511 or calling 703-527-4077. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988.