After the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, a national coalition has stepped in to offer recommendations on how to prevent such events from happening again. The National Shattering Silence Coalition is set to present their findings to the commission investigating the shooting. They emphasize the importance of providing training for individuals who work with mental health patients and increasing collaboration between mental health workers and law enforcement.
Laura Snyder, a member of the coalition, highlighted the need for training for all individuals involved in responding to individuals with serious brain disorders who exhibit dangerous behavior. She noted that proper training could potentially alter the course of tragic events, such as the one in Lewiston involving Robert Card.
Another key recommendation put forth by the coalition is the improved implementation of the progressive treatment program. This program allows courts to commit patients to psychiatric care for up to 12 months and may also restrict their ownership of firearms. The coalition believes that utilizing this program more effectively could have potentially prevented the tragedy in Lewiston.
Overall, the coalition’s recommendations focus on addressing gaps in the mental health system, enhancing collaboration between mental health professionals and law enforcement, and implementing existing programs more effectively to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
