Behind the Trigger: The Urgency for Education on the Heated Debate Between the Roles of Mental Health and Restrictive Firearm Policies

Abstract

Over the past six decades, the roots of the gun violence epidemic have been fiercely debated between members of U.S. society. The primary controversy is whether poor mental health or the lack of gun restrictions is to blame for continued violence. As gun violence continues to increase in America, the debate halts the progression of creating positive change. “Behind the Trigger: The Urgency for Education on the Heated Debate Between the Roles of Mental Health and Restrictive Firearm Policies” answers the questions: how does mental health intervention and the implementation of gun restrictions differ in effectiveness in reducing the amount of gun violence in U.S. schools? Additionally, what can community members do to encourage needed policy change at a faster rate? Initial research proved the accuracy of previous assumptions that both the implementation of restrictive gun policy and the availability of mental health care need to be prominent in order to prevent gun violence in America. Interviews with the Volunteer Coordinator of the Boys and Girls Club, the Campus Operations Manager at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy (FSHA), and a wounded survivor of a mass shooting provided differing perspectives on gun violence through personal experiences. A teach-in on mental health allowed the community to have a space for discussion and education on the importance of reaching out for help. Research was conducted alongside the completion of fieldwork with a nonprofit organization and a teach-in on the importance of staying educated and getting involved in un-discussed causes. Through the compilation of each aspect of the project and additional research, it is evident that action is necessary to promote change and reduce gun violence.