This past Monday our country experienced another mass shooting and this time it was at the Navy facilities in Washington, D.C. And again we learn that the shooter had a history of mental illness. This seems to be a recurring pattern. We have had mass shootings caused by others who were mentally unstable such as Jared Loughner in Arizona, James Holmes in Aurora, Colorado and Adam Lanza in Newtown, Connecticut. Now we have Aaron Alexis in Washington, D.C. to add to the list.
According to current statistics 60 percent of people with mental health problems in America don't receive the care they need. To address this need the Affordable Care Act will expand mental health benefits for millions of Americans. The ACA will provide money to help identify mental health concerns early, improves access to mental health services and funds research to understand and prevent gun violence.
The ACA will support a safer school environment and helps teachers and other adults to identify early signs of mental health problems. These young people will then be referred to services they may need.
The ACA also provides for training over 5000 mental health professionals which can help people with their problems.
Most importantly perhaps the ACA also invests in public health research on gun violence and prevention strategies on homicides and suicides.
Starting in 2014 all insurance plans will be required to cover mental health services. Also, insurers will no longer be able to deny anyone coverage due to a pre-existing behavioral health condition.
This is information that should be promoted and shared by all Americans as we will all benefit from having a healthier and safer country.