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Resources for Veteran safety

This page provides numerous resources to prevent adverse events and promote independent, goal-oriented recovery. Click on the topics below for more details about each safety resource.

Medication safety

Medication list

Medication disposal

  • Medication Disposal Envelopes known as Take Away Envelopes available through the mail when ordered by your VA prescriber 
  • Medication Disposal Receptacles onsite at VA
    • Orlando – first floor, across from bank windows
    • Lake Baldwin – between room 1704 and 1703A, near information desk
    • Viera – Pharmacy Lobby
    • Daytona – Pharmacy Lobby
  • Community Resources 

Medication-related supplies

  • Sharps Container (for needles/syringes)
  • Tablet cutters or crushers - request this is mailed to you by your VA prescriber or purchase independently
    • Always read the instructions on your prescription bottle with each prescription, including on refills, to ensure accurate dosing
    • Accidental overdoses may occur with one tablet use versus one-half tablet use and can result in a range of safety issues 
  • Medication organizers/pill boxes - request this is mailed to you by your VA prescriber
    • Set a schedule each week to review and fill/adjust your medications in your organizer 
    • Ensure you have your most recent medication list as a cross reference against your prescription bottles to prevent errors in dosing
  • Medication lockbox or safe - request your VA Mental Health Medication prescriber review if you are eligible for access through the VA or consider purchasing on your own
    • Storing medications is a way to prevent access to others (consider children, the elderly, or pets) 
    • Putting time and space between medications, including those which can be purchased over the counter, is a safety method to incorporate if there is a risk of suicide attempt by overdose, confusion with medication use, and/or impulsivity challenges. 
    • It is important to never store emergency medications in a lockbox or safe, such as rescue inhalers, naloxone kits, epi-pens, or nitroglycerin to ensure timely access when needed.

Prescription opioids

  • Use of prescription opioids may result in an overdose, including accidentally.  Watch this video to learn more.
  • Discuss the risk of overdose, efforts to prevent overdose, and how to respond to an overdose with naloxone with your VA providers.

  •  To gain access to a naloxone kit: 

          Through Orlando VA: 

    • Request a naloxone kit prescription through your VA prescriber                                                                 

    • Request a naloxone kit at the outpatient pharmacy window

      Through community resources: 

    • Pharmacies (may be available without prescription)
    • Florida Department of Health in Orange (https://www.floridahealth.gov/)
    • Naloxone locator using website: https://www.isavefl.com/ 
    • Mail-based naloxone through Florida Harm Reduction Collective https://nextdistro.org/flchoice       

Firearm safety

Safe storage and use of firearms is recommended for everyone who chooses to have access to a firearm. Resources to enhance storage and proper use may include: 

  • Cable Gun Locks for each firearm
    • Available through any staff at VA on site
    • May be mailed if needed 
  • Firearm lockboxes or safe
    • Talk with your VA provider to determine if you may be eligible for a lockbox through the VA
    • Consider purchasing on own

Additional information:

Non-prescribed drug/substance use

Accidental exposure to many contaminants occurs with use of non-prescribed substances. Abstaining from use provides the lowest risk of exposure to potentially life-threating products commonly found in heroin, non-prescribed fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, pills, and many other products. 

Many resources for harm reduction are available for those using non-prescribed substances through the VA.

Additional substance use resources and support

Goals and treatment resources

  • Goals to reduce OR stop use of substances may be considered and managed in all levels of care with your healthcare teams 
  • Specialty care for substance use disorders may be available in outpatient, residential, or inpatient settings 
    • Orlando VA Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Clinic - PDF above
    • Orlando VA Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program or Domiciliary -PDF above

Don't Wait. Reach Out 

Life has its challenges. You don’t have to solve them alone. That’s true whether it’s an everyday struggle, or something more complicated.

To proactively seek support and resources, click the hyperlink below:

You’re not alone. You’ve got this. Don’t wait. Reach out.

VA is using innovative health technologies to expand the reach of VA care. If you’re a Veteran receiving VA care, you can communicate with your care team, track your health information, and access your VA health records from your computer, cell phone, or tablet.

Learn how My HealtheVet, the VA App Store, and VA Telehealth Services can connect you with VA care.

If you are in need of assistance using devices or connected health technologies, refer to the Virtual Health Resource Centers at https://connectedcare.va.gov/virtual-health-resource-centers

Veteran Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line's number—988 then Press 1—helps make it easier to remember and share the number to access help in times of need.

Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As part of the law, all telephone service providers in the U.S. had to activate the number no later than July 16, 2022.

Veterans can use this option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number—1-800-273-8255 and Press 1—by text (838255), and through chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat).

Hotlines

  • Gambling:
    • National Problem Gambling Helpline, call 24/7: 1- 
    • Florida Gamblers Anonymous hotline call:
    • Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling 24 hr hotline, call:  
    • VA programs available through the Residential Recovery and Renewal Center in Nevada and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center 
  • Women Veteran Call Center
    • 1-855-VA WOMEN or 1- 
  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
    • 1-877-4AID-VET or 1- 
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
    • 1-800-799-SAFE or 1-
  • Poison Control 

Financial hardship assistance

If experiencing financial stressors, consider exploring the below:

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