What is being done now to prevent these shootings?

With the effect of mental health and violence being an important matter in America one would hope that there is some sort of resolution to this issue from loved ones being killed.

According to USATODAY, with the focus primarily on how to prevent mentally ill people from obtaining weapons rather than improving care, mental health advocates now worry the connection has increased the stigma around the mentally ill that they have worked for decades to break down.

Statistics have shown that the most common form of violence associated with mental illness is not against others, but rather, against oneself.

Carolyn Reinach Wolf, director of the mental health practice at Abrams and Fensterman, a New York-based law firm, said while the issues of gun violence and mental health are clearly linked in the recent mass shootings, the issue of mental health is so large that it should be dealt with separately from the gun discussion

“I just don’t want it to be a forgotten issue, the more you read and hear, the more it has become the forgotten issue yet again,” Reinach said.

According to Washington Post, the White House budget in part ensures the debate will continue due to $235 million for new mental health programs.

Mental health advocates say that while the issues of gun violence and mental health may be linked, the legislative approach should focus more on bills such as Stabenow’s, that make access to care easier for those who need it.

Treatment may be the key to reducing the risk of violence, whether that violence is self-directed or directed at others.

Christina Lilly said earlier this year health-insurance companies were given a list containing “essential health benefits” that needed to be covered next year when Obamacare goes into full effect. Over 32 million people are expected to be provided mental-health coverage for the first time.

According to The New York Times, the list was issued under a federal rule laying out 10 categories of coverage insurance companies must provide with one of them being mental illness.

Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius said that in addition to giving 32 million people access to mental-health care for the first time, the new rule would improve mental-health coverage for 30 million people who already have it. So this will be sign of support that individuals dealing with mental health issues need.

Through Obama care there will be treatments and therapy for those associated with violence or mental health. This is very important for someone who is struggling with these issues.

Sebelius said President Obama’s new budget plan released Wednesday morning will devote $235 million toward mental health programs designed to pinpoint problems among youth and prevent gun violence.

Things are being done to help, but is it enough to decrease the amount of killings?