In the aftermath of the Lewiston mass shooting in Maine, a national coalition is presenting recommendations for preventing similar tragedies in the future. The National Shattering Silence Coalition is giving recommendations to the commission investigating the Lewiston mass shooting. They stress the importance of training for individuals who work with mental health patients and the need for increased collaboration between mental health and law enforcement professionals.
Laura Snyder from the coalition emphasized the crucial role of training in responding to individuals with serious brain disorders who exhibit dangerous behavior. She highlighted how training may have altered the outcome of the tragedy in Robert Card’s case. The coalition also recommends utilizing the progressive treatment program, which can commit a patient to psychiatric care for up to 12 months and prohibit them from owning firearms.
The coalition believes that implementing these recommendations could have potentially prevented the Lewiston tragedy. By focusing on training and collaboration between mental health and law enforcement professionals, they hope to create a safer environment for individuals with mental health challenges and the community as a whole.