The National Shattering Silence Coalition has put forth recommendations to prevent mass shootings in the future, following the tragic incident in Lewiston, Maine. These recommendations were presented to the commission investigating the shooting, with a focus on training for those who interact with individuals with mental health issues and increased collaboration between mental health professionals and law enforcement.
Laura Snyder, a representative from the coalition, emphasized the importance of comprehensive training for all individuals involved in responding to individuals exhibiting dangerous behavior due to serious brain disorders. She believes that such training could have potentially altered the course of events in Robert Card’s case.
Another key recommendation from the coalition is the utilization of the progressive treatment program, which allows courts to commit patients to psychiatric care for up to 12 months and may also restrict their access to firearms. The coalition believes that implementing this program effectively could have potentially prevented the Lewiston tragedy.
By implementing these recommendations and fostering greater cooperation between mental health professionals and law enforcement, the coalition hopes to prevent future tragedies and improve the overall mental health response system in communities across the country.
