Campaigns/Cohorts

Unused medications can be placed in a MedReturn drop box located at the Covington Police Department, Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office, and Clifton Forge Police Department 24/7.

Counter Tools is a consulting organization that the coalition partners with to work towards creating a healthier community.

We do this by assessing each tobacco retailer in our area for proper advertisement and ensuring they are carding younger customers.

We look at advertising for tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, and lottery/gambling sales in all 34 retailers. This is to ensure companies are not advertising directly to minors with youth-centered graphics, ads placed near candy, snacks, or soda, ads placed within 3 feet of the ground (kids’ eye level), and much more.

This assessment is done every other year, and findings are recorded in an online database.

Be sure to look for our colorful Counter Tools “We Card” stickers and signature mats at gas stations!

Red Ribbon Week takes place each year from October 23–31 to bring awareness to drug prevention. This year’s theme is “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.”

This year, the coalition has partnered with Miss Virginia’s School Tour to bring her to each elementary school in Alleghany County.

Miss Virginia will give a short presentation to students about making healthy choices and being aware of the harms of substance use.

Gambling takes many forms, but it’s always about taking chances. There’s typically money or other possessions on the line, and whether it’s the lottery, slots, or cards – winning or losing is always random.

Problem gambling (sometimes referred to as “gambling addiction” or “gambling disorder”) is gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career. Anyone who gambles can be at-risk for developing a gambling problem. Gambling disorder is a recognized mental health diagnosis. (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/)

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., 2013), disordered gambling is a behavioral addiction. A gambling disorder is “persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress” and is diagnosed if the person has four or more of the following in the past year:

1. Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.
2. Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
3. Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
4. Is often preoccupied with gambling (e.g., having persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble).
5. Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
6. After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses).
7. Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
8. Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
9. Relies on others to provide money or relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

Gambling disorder can range from mild to severe. (https://www.1800gambler.net/)

Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET; to chat https://www.ncpgambling.org/chat/

Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, the Lifeline’s caring counselors are here for you. Using the 988 Lifeline is free. When you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides you judgment-free care. Connecting with someone can help save your life. You are not alone.

Saturday, October 24, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Locations:

Covington Walmart

Clifton Forge CVS

LOCK & TALK is a suicide prevention initiative in the state of Virginia that strives to encourage community conversation around mental wellness and promote safe care of lethal means, including firearms and medications (lockandtalk.org).

LOCK-A path to safety. Provide support and remove access to lethal means.

L-Look for warning signs: warning signs of someone who may be at risk include changes in behavior, withdrawal from activities, giving away possessions, or expressing feelings of hopelessness.

0-0ffer support: offer space to talk, listen to how they are feeling, and show genuine empathy. Tell them they are not alone and people care about their well-being.
C-Communicate concerns: express your concern. Ask directly about thoughts of suicide and encourage them to seek professional help.

K-Keep safe from lethal means: remove access
to lethal means by safely storing or removing
firearms, medications, or dangerous objects.

TALK-Can effectively help prevent suicide.

T-Take it seriously: thoughts of suicide seriously shouldn’t be dismissed or ignored. Recognize warning signs and seek help promptly.

A-Ask directly: Ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?”

L-Listen non-judgmentally: create a safe space where individuals can share their feelings and experiences openly, knowing that they will be heard and supported.

K-Keep talking: say, “I understand you’re struggling. Let’s keep talking and connect with ongoing supports.”