Student Wellness & Family Supports

In accordance with Virginia law (§ 22.1-79.3, Section F), school divisions are now required to provide families with information about the secure storage of prescription drugs and firearms. The information below is intended to help raise awareness of simple steps that can reduce the risk of accidents, misuse, and preventable tragedy. 

Secure Prescription Drug Storage 

Prescription drug misuse and accidental poisonings are significant, yet preventable, safety risks for children and teens. Under Virginia law (§ 54.1-3401), prescription drugs are strictly defined substances that require professional medical supervision.

To protect your children:

• Lock them up: Store all prescription medications—especially pain relievers, stimulants, and sedatives—in a locked cabinet, drawer, or secure medicine lockbox.
• Monitor quantities: Regularly count pills and monitor refills to quickly notice if any medication goes missing.
• Dispose safely: Drop off unused, expired, or unwanted medications at local drug take-back sites or pharmacy drop boxes. Never leave them unsecured in trash cans.

Learn more: Visit the Up and Away Campaign for tips and resources on safe medicine storage.

Secure Firearm Storage

Under Virginia law (§ 18.2-56.2), it is unlawful for any person to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm in a manner that endangers the life or limb of any child under the age of 14. A violation of this law is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Our community and school district are safer when guns are stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.  

If you have firearms in your home, keep them secure:

• Unload: Remove all ammunition from the gun, including any chambered rounds.
• Lock: Secure unloaded guns with a firearm locking device like a cable lock or in a locked location like a safe or lockbox. 
• Separate: Store ammunition separately from the gun in a secure location.
• Safeguard keys: Ensure that keys, combinations, or keypad codes are entirely inaccessible to children.

Whether or not you own a firearm, you can help prevent children and teens from accessing unsecured firearms. Make gun safety a normal conversation with your children. Make sure that the language is appropriate for the child's age. For example, with small children, keep the language simple: "If you see a gun, don't touch it. Tell an adult right away." Continue to discuss firearm safety at regular intervals with your child as they age.

Teaching children about firearm safety matters, but it is not a substitute for secure storage by adults. Talk with other parents and caregivers about secure storage, especially in homes your child visits.

Use and share the Be SMART Principles:

• Secure all firearms in homes and vehicles.
• Model responsible behavior around firearms.
• Ask about unsecured firearms in other homes.
• Recognize the role of firearms in suicide. 
• Tell your peers to Be SMART.

Learn more: Visit Be SMART for tips and resources on secure firearm storage.

The Risks: By the Numbers

According to a KFF analysis of CDC data, 2,228 children and adolescents ages 17 and younger died from firearm-related causes in the United States in 2024—a rate of three deaths per 100,000, and a 68% increase in youth firearm deaths since 2014. Firearms also play a significant role in youth suicide: In 2024, 45% of suicide deaths among children and teens ages 17 and younger involved a firearm. Secure firearm storage can meaningfully reduce the risk of unintentional injury and can reduce access to a firearm during a moment of crisis.

The CDC reports that suicide rates in the United States rose by roughly a third between 2000 and 2022, and that suicide is now among the leading causes of death for people ages 10 to 64; it is the second-leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 14. Nationally, far more people think about or plan suicide than attempt it, which is part of why early conversations and reduced access to lethal means matter so much. The CDC also notes that suicide is preventable, and that families, schools, and communities all have a role to play in supporting the people around them. You can find more information in the CDC publication Preventing Suicide.

Supporting a Child in Distress

If you're ever concerned that a child may be a danger to themselves or others, restricting access to firearms and medications during a crisis can save a life. Watch for warning signs like withdrawal, giving away belongings, or talk of hopelessness—and don't hesitate to ask directly. Asking does not plant the idea; it opens the door for a child to share what they're carrying.

Where to get help:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, available 24/7.
• The Trevor Project: Call (866) 488-7386 or text START to 678678 for crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
• School mental health professionals: Contact your child’s school counselor or social worker for support and help connecting with additional resources.
• ParentGuidance.org: Our partner resource for families, with a monthly newsletter, webinars, and a live Ask a Therapist link.
• If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students and community safe.