Lethal Means Safety

Lethal Means Safety refers to reducing unnecessary access to lethal means (i.e., firearms, medications, vehicles) for individuals at risk for suicide.

The aim of lethal means safety is to provide as much time and space as possible between an individual experiencing suicidal ideation and a lethal means of ending their life.

This works by meeting an individual where they feel safe and comfortable, and ensuring they are involved in the decision making process.

Ranges of comfort levels include:

  • having a trusted individual give you medication each day OR Only keeping a few-days-supply of medication on hand

  • Giving your firearms to a trusted individual to keep safe out of the house OR keeping your firearms in a safe with access to the key

CALM- Counseling on Access to Lethal Means

CALM is an online, self-paced course that heightens an individual’s understanding of suicide. This course teaches individuals how to work with individuals at risk-for suicide and reduce access to the methods people use to kill themselves. Motivational Interviewing is emphasized in this course.

This course is estimated to take 2 hours online and self-paced. There are in-person options available as well.

Lock2Live

Lock2Live is a tool intended to “temporarily reduce access to potentially dangerous things like medicines, firearms, sharp objects, or other household items”

Access free lethal means safety supplies:

La Plata County Public Health Department has free and accessable lethal means safety supplies available to anyone.

Supplies Available include:

  • Firearm Safes

  • Medication Lock Boxes

  • Trigger Locks

  • Cable Locks

  • Dettera- substance deactivation tool

Access by:

  • Visiting 185 Suttle Street, Durango, CO Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm

  • Calling 970-828-8808

  • Email sdonnelly@lpcgov.org

Learn about how firearm safety is suicide prevention:

Lethal Means Safety Supplies Accessories:

Below, you will find some LPC efforts being done to spread messages of suicide prevention among medication and firearm owners. All products can be obtained through La Plata County Public Health Dept.

  • Key Chain

    This key chain is intended to accompany a key to a medication or firearm lock. It reminds individuals to keep going (and makes it harder to lose the key!).

  • Sticker

    This sticker is intended to place on medication or firearm lock boxes. It encourages individuals to take 10 minutes and de-escalate before making any forever decisions.

  • Magnet

    This magnet is intended for the inside of gun safes or lock boxes. The middle pop-out and acts as a picture frame, so participants can include a photo of their loved ones.