Harm reduction strategies are critical for preserving lives, facilitating connections to care, and fostering healthier communities by reducing overdose and suicide mortality, disease transmission, and other negative outcomes. Find out how you can get free supplies to keep yourself and your community safe. 

To learn more about how to order and available supplies, check out our Harm Reduction One-Pager. To place an order today, complete this simple form.

Why Is It Important to Take Steps to Improve Home Safety?

Both suicide and overdose continue to represent significant public health concerns within our community. Although Virginia observed a slight decrease in opioid overdose deaths in 2023, continued effort is necessary. Individuals can contribute to the prevention of suicide and drug misuse by developing a plan to enhance safety within their homes and communities.

How Do I Create a Safety Plan to Prevent Suicide and Drug Misuse?

Creating a plan to enhance home safety is a straightforward process. Region Ten participates in the Lock and Talk Virginia initiative, which encourages community members to:

• Lock Meds: Utilize lock bags and boxes for the secure storage of prescription medications, including painkillers, anxiolytics, or sedatives, to prevent unauthorized access and misuse.
• Lock Guns: Employ gun safes and trigger locks for the secure storage of firearms.
• Talk Safety: Engage in conversations with family and friends concerning mental health, safety, and substance misuse.

Evidence indicates the efficacy of these methods. Establishing barriers to lethal means of suicide, such as firearms or prescription medication, can preserve lives. Suicide attempts frequently occur during brief periods of crisis; securing these items within the home can provide an opportunity for reflection and access to assistance. Additional information regarding the Lock and Talk campaign is available at www.lockandtalk.org.

How Do I Request Free Harm Reduction Safety Supplies?

Region Ten offers free safety devices and materials. These include:

• Lock boxes (to store prescription medications and small firearms)
• Medication lock bags (to store and discreetly transport medications)
• Trigger locks (to provide an additional security measure for firearms)
• Cable locks
• Drug deactivation packets (to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medication)
• Naloxone (to reverse an opioid overdose)
• Testing strips (to test for fentanyl, benzodiazepine, xylazine, and nitazine).

To request free safety devices, complete this online form.

Pick-up is available at the Region Ten offices in Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Nelson, and Louisa, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. A processing time of up to two days may be required for orders submitted via the form. Upon receipt of an order, a staff member will contact you via email to confirm. 

Training Opportunities

• Monthly REVIVE! Overdose Reversal Virtual Trainings: These free virtual classes are offered on the second Wednesday of every month from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. This training educates individuals on how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. A certificate of completion and free Narcan are available to participants after completing the training.
• Community Rapid REVIVE!: Region Ten provides a short 5-10-minute Rapid REVIVE! training. This training covers the basics of recognizing signs of an opioid overdose emergency and how to administer Narcan. Rapid REVIVE training can be scheduled in Region Ten offices, at community events, and in collaboration with local partners. If you do not have an existing REVIVE! Certificate, but wish to pick up Narcan/Naloxone you will need to receive a Rapid REVIVE! at pickup. 

How Do I Recognize Signs of Risk?

Recognizing signs and symptoms of suicide risk and substance misuse is an important component of community safety.

Suicide Risk Indicators:

Individuals at immediate risk of suicide may:

• Express a desire to die or state no reason to live.
• Attempt to obtain a firearm, lethal doses of medications, or explore other methods of self-harm.
• Express feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
• Discuss being a burden to others.
• Increase drug or alcohol consumption.
• Withdraw from social interactions with family or friends.
• Exhibit altered sleep patterns (excessive or insufficient).
• Distribute prized possessions.
• Display anxiety, agitation, or reckless behavior.

Substance Misuse Indicators:

Signs of substance misuse can vary based on the substance and extent of use. Common general indicators include:

• Alterations in weight or eating habits.
• Changes in personality or energy levels.
• Irregular sleeping patterns.
• Modifications in activities or hobbies.
• Shifts in social circles.
• Diminished performance in work or academic settings.
• Secretive behavior.
• Social isolation.
• Financial difficulties.

Initiating Conversations about Safety

If concerns arise regarding an individual at risk of suicide or substance misuse, direct communication is advisable. Demonstrate care, communicate honestly and directly, listen without judgment, offer reassurance, and provide assistance. If concerns about suicidal ideation exist, directly inquire, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” If affirmative, listen attentively to the individual’s feelings and thoughts, and be prepared to connect them with appropriate resources. In an emergency, contact 9-1-1. For immediate support and guidance, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.

Supporting an individual experiencing thoughts of suicide or substance misuse can impact one’s own emotional well-being. Prioritize personal mental health and seek assistance from a lifeline center or community resources as needed.

Resources for Help

Suicide prevention and crisis support are accessible 24/7:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: (800) 273-8255
• National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• The Trevor Project: 1-(866) 488-7386 or text START to 678-678
• Region Ten Emergency Services: (434) 972-1800

For information regarding substance use treatment, consult:

• Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition: HelpHappensHere.org 
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline (Treatment Referral Routing Service): 1-(800)-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-(800)-487-4889. This is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year information service, available in English and Spanish, for individuals and families affected by mental and/or substance use disorders.

For further information regarding the Harm Reduction Program, please contact harmreduction@regionten.org. For a shareable Harm Reduction One-Pager overview of the program click here.