A STATEMENT ON MASS SHOOTINGS, MENTAL ILLNESS AND STIGMAOur deepest condolences go out to all families and communities who have recently been affected by and continue to feel the terrorizing effects of hate and gun violence. We condemn any efforts to connect acts of violence based in hatred, bigotry and racism to mental illness. Reactively blaming people with psychiatric diagnoses for gun violence is destructive to lives and unsupported by evidence. Concluding that mental illness is the cause of mass gun violence is not helpful and only serves to circumvent the real issues that seem to drive this tragic and on-going epidemic in our country. We support and advocate for focus on solutions that are based in evidence, including the reform of gun laws and addressing issues of intolerance and hatred at the core.” (Mass Violence in America: Causes, Impacts and Solutions; Wrong Focus, Bazelon). Margaret Migliorati, President Paul Sevett, President-Elect Vicky Wilder, Treasurer Ambria Cunningham, Secretary Charné Furcron, Multicultural and Diversity Chair Dawn Morningstar, Eastern Region Member-at-Large Kristin Pollock, Government Affairs Chair |