Staunton City Schools shares the following information with all families once each school year, as required by Virginia Code § 22.1-79.3(F). We also maintain this information on our website to support the well-being of our students and families.

Safely Store Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs should be stored securely and out of the sight and reach of children and adolescents. When possible:

• Keep prescription medications in a locked location that children cannot access.
• Do not leave medications unattended in purses, backpacks, vehicles, countertops, or other easily accessible locations.
• Keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
• Dispose of unused or expired medications safely through an authorized medication take-back program or other appropriate disposal method.
• Virginia law defines "prescription drug" in Va. Code § 54.1-3401.

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Safely Store Firearms

Virginia law places responsibility on firearm owners and others who possess firearms to take appropriate precautions to prevent children from accessing firearms.

Under Va. Code § 18.2-56.2, a person who recklessly leaves a loaded firearm where it could endanger a child under 14 years of age may be subject to criminal penalties when the firearm is not properly secured and the statutory requirements are met.

Families are strongly encouraged to:

• Store every firearm unloaded when it is not in use.
• Secure firearms in a locked safe, lockbox, or other secure storage device.
• Store ammunition separately from firearms when practicable.
• Keep firearm keys, combinations, and access codes inaccessible to children and adolescents.
• Use an appropriate locking device, such as a cable lock or trigger lock, consistent with the firearm manufacturer's instructions.
• Never assume that a child will not find or handle a firearm.
• Ask about firearm storage before allowing your child to visit another home.

For the current text of Virginia's firearm-storage and child-access law, please review Va. Code § 18.2-56.2.

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Firearms, Accidents, Injuries, and Suicide

Firearms can cause fatal or life-altering injuries when they are accidentally discharged or accessed by someone who is not authorized to use them. Firearms are also involved in youth suicides and other self-inflicted injuries.

Safe firearm storage can help reduce the likelihood that a young person will gain access to a firearm during a crisis or moment of impulsive behavior.

Firearms are the leading cause of death among Virginia children and adolescents ages 1–17, highlighting the importance of violence prevention, suicide prevention, and safe firearm storage efforts.

Between 2019 and 2023, nearly 1 in 3 deaths among Virginia children and teens ages 1–17 involved a firearm. Of these deaths, 19.5% were firearm homicides and 11.8% were firearm suicides.

Sources: Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS).

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If You Are Concerned About Your Child

If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing a mental-health crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or presenting a danger to themselves or others, seek help promptly.

Parents may want to consider:

• Talking openly and calmly with your child about their safety and well-being.
• Contacting your child's pediatrician, mental-health provider, school counselor, or another qualified professional.
• Asking directly about thoughts of suicide or self-harm when you are concerned.
• Temporarily increasing supervision and reducing access to firearms, medications, and other potentially dangerous items.

For additional resources, please visit the Virginia Department of Education's webpage on Parent & Caregiver Resources for Self-Harm, Suicide, & Violence Prevention.

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Where to Get Help

• 24/7 crisis support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988.
• Local, 24/7: Valley Community Services Board Emergency Services. 540-885-0866 (toll free 866-274-7475)
• At school: Your child's school counselor. Call your child's school and ask for the counseling office.
• In an immediate emergency, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department.