A national survey from Adelphi University in New York looks at the issue of mental health reform versus gun control. Dr. Jonathan Jackson says among the 100 mental health professionals they surveyed, 75 percent of the Midwestern respondents would favor gun law reform over reform of the mental health care system. This was higher than the national figures of 62 percent preferring gun law reform.
Jackson interprets that as mental health professionals believe they have a role in helping to identify those who would commit gun violence but they would like more help with changes in gun laws.
The survey also found most respondents said stigma exists in their communities. Jackson says stigma exists both against those who have mental illness and concerns about how one will be perceived in getting mental health treatment.