Tips for
Family & Friends

• Listen non-judgmentally.

• Be a caring presence.

• Inquire about their well-being.

• Ask what type of support will be most helpful.

• Encourage involvement in activities the person enjoys.

• Ask the question, "Are you feeling so badly that you are considering suicide?" If the answer is "yes", seek more information, and know how to refer them to help.

  • If so, keep a copy of the safety plan in an easy to access location (in their purse/wallet, on their cellphone, top dresser drawer, bedside table, on the fridge).

• If someone is actively suicidal do not leave them alone.

• Seek assistance for them and yourself. You cannot do this alone. 

​

Making Your Home Safer:

​

• Remove firearms from the home. If they cannot be removed, store ammunition separately from guns, and do not keep guns loaded. Store guns in gun safes, or use trigger locks if a safe is not available and the guns cannot be removed.

• Temporarily store firearms with a trusted friend or family member (outside of the home).

• Remove or lock up all sharp objects (knives, razors, tools). If there is concern for cutting, the person at risk should not be left alone with any sharp objects. If they want to shave, use an electric razor.

• Remove or lock up all belts, extension cords, and ropes.

• Remove all alcohol from the home. 

Remove or lock up all medications, including over the counter medications. Lock boxes can be purchased at home improvement stores or "big box" stores such as Target or Wal-Mart. 

​

Dispose of any unnecessary medications. This can be done by removing pills from their containers, and mixing them with an undesirable substance (such as cat litter or used coffee grounds). Store this mixture in a sealable container (plastic bag, empty bottles with lids, coffee can) and place it in the garbage. Make sure the contents are sealed to ensure it does not leak. 

​

CVS sells medication disposal bags ($5/each) which allow you to mail medications. They must be purchased at the pharmacy.

​

Medications can be disposed of at the Franklin County Sheriff's office: M-F from 9-5, located at 375 S. High Street, Columbus OH. Phone (614) 525-4507.

​

The city of Upper Arlington Municipal Services Center has a CVS drop box for medications. Any medication is accepted, except for liquids, inhalers, or syringes. The drop box is accessible M-F from 8-5. The address is 3600 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, OH. Phone (614) 583-5000.

​

Medications are not accepted by the Columbus Police Department at this time.

​

For a comprehensive list of disposal sites, visit: http://rxdrugdropbox.org/