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(904) 244-0411

Lock Bag Program

The number of children and adolescents dying by suicide has been increasing in recent years. UF Health Jacksonville created the “Lock Bag Program” to reduce all types of youth overdose deaths by contributing to a safer home environment.

(904) 427-3425

Pre-Intervention caregiver survey

Please click here to complete our survey.

The number of children and adolescents dying by suicide has been increasing in recent years and continues to climb as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of the Center for Disease Control’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Grant through the Duval County Department of Health and the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida, UF Health Jacksonville created the “Lock Bag Program”.

Reducing youth overdose deaths by locking up medications in the home

The number of children and adolescents dying by suicide has been increasing in recent years and continues to climb as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 10-24 year olds. In Duval County, the rates of youth suicide attempts are double the national average. Overdosing on medications in the home is the most common method of attempted suicide. Suicide attempts can be planned out as a result of depression or impulsive in times of high stress, conflict and disappointment like a recent break up. These thoughts can appear suddenly and quickly evolve from thoughts to action. Eliminating access to means for suicide can prevent deaths.

With the support of the Center for Disease Control’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Grant through the Duval County Department of Health and the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida, UF Health Jacksonville created the “Lock Bag Program”. The mission of the program is to reduce all types of youth overdose deaths by contributing to a safer home environment.

Participants

Caregivers who wish to participate in the program will receive counseling regarding home safety and tips to prevent youth overdoses as well as a free medication lock bag.

Program participants will:

  • Complete a brief e-consent
  • Complete a pre-survey
  • Watch a 4-minute video on medication safety at home OR speak to your UF Health-affiliated pediatric health care provider
  • Select a location and pick up your free medication lock bag
  • 1 week after receiving your medication lock bag: You will be sent a text or e-mail with a link to a follow up survey
  • 6 months after receiving your medication lock bag: You will be sent a text or e-mail with a link to a follow up survey

Participant feedback is appreciated, and the information they provide will be kept private and only used to further research in youth overdose prevention.

Resources

Community resources

Create a suicide safety plan

Gun safety

Medication disposal

Contact

Please email us or call (904) 427-3425 if you have any questions or need more information.

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