1. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR” 1
Assignment 1: “Brief the Mayor”
Amanda Weissman
Professor Stacy Kratz
02/02/2015
University of Southern California

2. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 2
Part A: Legislation and Political Context: What is the “Elevator Speech” Overview?
Connecticut Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced the proposed
piece of legislation, S.2872 – Promoting Healthy Minds for Safer Communities Act of
2014, on September 18th, 2014. This policy is fairly new having only been read twice in
Congress and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary (Blumenthal, 2014). This
legislation is a comprehensive proposal that will not only benefit everyone on a federal
level, but calls for action in state and local agencies. This bill includes 6 titles: Title I –
Strengthening and Improving Intervention Efforts, Title II – Improving Mental Health
Research, Title III: Understanding the Epidemic of Gun Violence, Title IV: Mental
Health and Access to Firearms, Title V: Restoration, and Title VI: Submission of Mental
Health Records to National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Title I requires that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a
federal program, establish a program that awards grants to states, nonprofit private
agencies, and political subdivisions to allow for mental health crisis assistance programs.
It also calls for the Public Health Service Act to be amended to include a community
children and violence program to assist local communities and schools in applying a
public health approve to mental health services. These community and school mental
health programs would be funded by the Act. The title authorizes the Attorney General to
award grants to establish or expand comprehensive veteran treatment court programs that
include mental health and substance abuse treatment services, alternatives to
incarceration, housing, transportation, education, and job training. Grants will also be
awarded by the Attorney General to enhance the capabilities of correctional facilities to
screen for mentally ill inmates, provide assessments of the medical, clinical,

3. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 3
psychological, and social needs of inmates while educating and training employees on
how to identify and respond to inmates suffering from mental health and substance abuse
disorders.
Title II advocates for the Secretary to expand research on self-directed and other-
directed violence that is associated with mental illnesses. Title III requires the Secretary
to implement the National Violent Death Reporting to all 50 states and requires the
Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to include research to address gun
violence. Title IV amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the sales, purchase,
transport, or possession of firearms or ammunitions to person committed to a mental
institution or involuntary inpatient/outpatient basis. The Attorney General would
establish a system for the prompt notification of state and local enforcement agencies by
the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) whom would notify a
licensed dealer that an individual is trying to purchase a prohibited firearm.
Title V amends the NICS Improvement Amends Act of 2007 to allow for an
individual adjudicated to a mental health disorder or committed to a mental institution to
apply for the restoration of firearms ownership after one year by receiving an approving
opinion of a psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist. Finally, Title VI requires the
Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics to report yearly to Congress of the number of
individuals reported by each state to NICS prohibited from purchasing and/or possessing
a firearm based on history of domestic violence (Blumenthal, 2014).
Since this legislative piece is fairly new and recently got referred to the
Committee of Judiciary, there is not adequate information on opposition of this policy
piece; However, due to the controversy of firearm possession and mental health stigma in

4. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 4
this country, there is sure to be opposition to the passing of this legislation providing it
can pass to the next stage of becoming a bill and ultimately enacted into law. As stated,
this bill is still in the stage of having been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and
is awaiting Committee review.
Although this policy lacks adequate information on opposing opinions, there are
several prominent associations and coalitions that support this legislation. The American
Psychological Association (APA) sent a letter of support to Senator Blumenthal
supporting his efforts to reform and improve mental health systems’ response to gun
violence and violence prevention. APA supports this policy initiative because the APA
supports a strong commitment to gun violence prevention and violence prevention
research (“APA Applauds Efforts to Bolster Mental Health Systems’ Response to
Violence,” n.d.). Also, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) supports this piece of
legislation and tracks it on their website (“113th Congress.”, n.d.). The CJJ’s core
principles include promoting the role of prevention and ensuring school engagement,
which aligns with the efforts of S. 2872.
Part B: Problem Analysis: Why is this Bill/Policy Important? Why Should the
Mayor Care?
[1] One of the main issues this piece of legislation addresses is the provided
prevention and assistance for children dealing with mental health issues caused by trauma
and/or violence. This is a prominent issue within our society. Public health officials have
concurred that violence is one of the most significant US public health issues (Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control,
2011.) In the last 10 years, there has been more awareness given to the extent that which

5. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 5
children are exposed to violence. A large number of children have experienced violence
and therefore experience symptoms of distress after personally witnessing violence
against others, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Stein et al., 2003, pg. 604). Not
only are there a significant number of children suffering from PTSD due to violence
exposure, the effects go beyond mental illnesses. In addition, children experience poorer
school performance, poor school attendance, and lower self-esteem (Hurt, Malmud,
Brodsky, & Giannetta, 2001, pg. 1354). Furthermore, exposure to violence can interfere
with important developmental milestones needed for children and adolescents (Stein et
al., 2003, pg. 604).
One of the more specific types of violence children are exposed to is gun
violence. This type of violence places children and adolescents’ mental health at risk. The
exposure to gun violence by children is more common than one would assume. Slovak
(2002) found that almost one in four youths reported to having been exposed to a gun
pointing, while one in four have witnessed this event (pg. 105). Even further, Slovak
found that one in eight children have become a victim of gun violence and one in six
were a witness to this event (Slovak, 2002, pg.107).
Gun violence is now considered an epidemic around the United States. In 2011,
there were 467,321 persons who were victims of a crime committed with a firearm. Also,
data collected by the FBI shows that firearms were used in 68 percent of murders, 41
percent of robbery crimes, and 21 percent of aggravated assaults around the country
(“Gun Violence,” n.d.). In the Central Valley of California alone, there is abundance of
violent crimes committed by the use of firearms. In 2013, 100 defendants were charged

6. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 6
with federal firearm offenses by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of
California – 34 of the offenses being in Fresno, California ((USAO), n.d.).
Experts and officials agree there is a connection between gun violence and mental
health. The CDC estimates that from the 20,000 suicides by firearms annually, 45 percent
of them are results of mental health illnesses. With respect to violence towards others, 13
percent are due to a serious mental health illness (Kramer & Verhulst, 2013, pg.34). It is
evident when you look at the correctional facilities across the country. A recent estimate
presented that around 321,000 individuals in correctional facilities suffer from severe
mental illness (Kramer & Verhulst, 2013, pg.35). From these statistics alone, one can see
the correlation between the dangers of firearms and individuals suffering from severe
mental illnesses.
Another population, which the legislation addresses within the context of violence
and mental health illnesses, are veterans. Veterans account for a large portion of the
United States – 25 million to be exact. Research has shown that veterans who suffer from
PTSD are more likely to engage in violence (Allen, 2000, pg. 3). Individuals who suffer
from PTSD are more likely to report owning large numbers of firearms within their
household. More importantly, these individuals consistently reported a high incidence of
dangerous behaviors with these firearms including considering suicide with a gun and
aiming firearms at family members and friends (Freeman, 2001, pg. 320). As Allen
(2000) articulately put, “The cycle of violence will continue unless we as a public health
community ensure that the systemic and cultural barriers to victim assistance are
removed” (pg.3).

7. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 7
These social problems affect communities as a whole. Communities can take on
different meanings, whether they are a local community such as a town or certain area of
town, or individuals suffering from mental health illnesses. In respect to this legislative
piece, the community is defined as individuals suffering from mental health illnesses that
are directly linked to gun violence which include children, adolescents, veterans, and
adults.
[2] The impact that this legislation or similar legislations could have on the
community presented would be profound. As previously stated, the community
encompasses individuals suffering from mental health illnesses that are directly linked to
gun violence which includes children, adolescents, veterans, and adults.
Looking at gun violence exposure to children, Hallam (2001) states the need for
awareness perfectly. He says, “The lack of recognition of distress in young children
exposed to violence is critical to rectify” (pg. 1355). The legislative policy, S. 2872,
would address this issue. The policy would call for mental health programs within the
schools to address trauma and violence. It would also call for the Public Health Service
Act to be amended to revise a community children and violence program that would help
assist local schools and communities in applying a public health approach to this
problem. Stein at el. (2003) performed a randomized controlled study on effectiveness of
psychological interventions on children who had witnessed violence and displayed
symptoms of PTSD. They found that in only a three-month intervention, children showed
significantly lower self-reported PTSD symptoms (Stein at el., 2003, pg. 609). This study
shows that with the help of intervention and preventative measures, mental health for

8. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 8
children and adolescents exposed to violence would improve, thus improving school
performance and self-esteem.
Another area of concern the legislation addresses is the mental health and
resources veterans need in society. The legislative policy would help establish mental
health treatment services and basis services such as housing, transportation, and job
training for veterans suffering with mental illnesses. Allen (2000) explains that without
adequate attention to the needs of veterans, communities will continue to be plagued with
violence and other issues (Allen, 2000, pg. 3). In a study conducted by Freeman & Roca
(2001), researchers assessed the gun usage and belief towards violence of a sample group
of veterans suffering from PTSD. The findings supported the importance of a
comprehensive psychiatric history that takes into account a PTSD-diagnosed combat
veteran's gun usage (pg. 317). Therefore, this study exemplifies the need for gun
regulation in respects to people who suffer from mental health illnesses.
Overall, gun violence is the perpetrator that perpetuates negative outcomes within
this community. This legislative piece would address the concern of gun control and
provide restrictions to certain populations that would prevent violence exposure to
children and unsafe usage to veterans. Focusing on gun prevention in the public health
scope will bring a strong emphasis to identifying programs that prevent violent behavior,
injuries, and deaths. If there needs to be questions regarding the effects of prevention
programs, one can simply look at smoking cigarettes. Americans suffer far less now than
in the past from chronic diseases associated with smoking because of investments in
prevention. An investment in violence prevention is essential for the same measurable
progress (Mercy, Rosenberg, Powell, Broome, & Roper, 1993, Pg. 20). Unfortunately,

9. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 9
very few states have pursued to take serious effort to look beyond outdated federal
standards in place of the purchase of firearms by the mentally ill. As evident, more needs
to be done by federal and state lawmakers alike (Guns & Mental Health., n.d.). Gun
prevention would start by placing restrictions on their possession and purchases, which
will help the prevention implementation.
Part C: Existing Resources to Deal with Problem
Due to the recent realization of the gun violence epidemic within America, there
are multiple existing resources within the community to help prevent and educate about
gun violence, but there still remains a controversy as to whether gun violence is
associated with mental health illnesses. Many oppositional beliefs argue that mental
health illnesses do not affect gun violence but as presented in this paper’s findings, that
belief is not statistically accurate.
There are some preventative methods that are recommended by the American
Psychological Association (APA) that would help bring resources to this comprehensive
community. For those at risk for violence, access to mental health resources would help
prevent gun violence. Also, all-encompassing local community programs would helps
promote healthy environments and development for children and adolescents, specifically
for those suffering from mental illnesses and trauma (APA Report on Gun Violence
Identifies Precursors and Promising Solutions., n.d.).
Veterans need resources as well. Currently, there are multiple resources for
veterans to take advantage of, including the Veterans Affairs (VA) office and National
Institute of Mental Health’s (NAMI) Veterans and Military Resources Center. Although
these programs offer help to veterans in need, they do not address all the social and

10. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 10
psychological issues veterans are currently facing. Comprehensive, local, and/or state
programs that would help address alternatives to incarcerations, job training,
transportation, mental health and substance abuse disorders would help accommodate
positive change in addressing the challenges veterans face on a daily basis.
Part D: Stakeholders: Getting Down to the “Politics” of the Issue
Currently, there is only one Senator and sponsor of S. 2782, which is Senator
Blumenthal from Connecticut. There are groups that support this piece of legislation such
as the American Psychological Association and Coalition for Juvenile Justice. There is no
opposition for this policy, although gun control and mental health remain controversial
topics. There are some stakeholders who are already interested in gun control such as
New York mayor Michael Bloomberg who recently launched a $50 million gun control
effort (Blake, 2014). There are programs that would be interested in this legislation, some
of which include the National Institute of Mental Health and the Brady Campaign whose
mission is to end gun violence.
There are some efforts from mayors around the state of California as well. In
September, the LA Times reported that 69 mayors across the state of California are
urging the governor, Jerry Brown, to sign a legislation that would make it easier to
temporarily remove guns from individuals that are a danger to themselves or others
(McGreevy, 2014). This is great progress, but it is not enough. There needs to be more
effort to prevent gun purchases and possession to people who are suffering from mental
illness to not only make the community safer, but to prevent trauma found evident in
children and adolescents who are exposed to violence as well as veterans suffering from
mental illnesses such as PTSD. With this legislative policy, we can help address not only

11. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 11
the stigma and need for resources for mental illness suffers, but also prevent violent acts,
which would in return help those who are suffering and society as a whole.

12. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 12
References
113th Congress. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2015, from
http://www.juvjustice.org/federal-policy/other-federal-legislation/113th-congress
Allen, C. E. (2000). Veterans, victims and violence. The Nation’s Health, 30(3), 3.
APA Applauds Efforts to Bolster Mental Health Systems’ Response to Violence. (n.d.).
Retrieved January 28, 2015, from
http://www.apa.org/about/gr/pi/news/2014/bolster-violence-response.aspx
APA Report on Gun Violence Identifies Precursors and Promising Solutions. (n.d.).
Retrieved January 28, 2015, from
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/12/gun-violence.aspx
Blake, A. (2014, April 16). Bloomberg launches new $50 million gun control effort. The
Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-
politics/wp/2014/04/16/bloomberg-aims-to-spend-50-million-on-gun-control/
Blumenthal, R. (2014, September 18). S.2872 - 113th Congress (2013-2014): Promoting
Healthy Minds for Safer Communities Act of 2014 [legislation]. Retrieved
January 28, 2015, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-
bill/2872
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and
Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS).
(2011). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/.
Freeman, T. W., & Roca, V. (2001). Gun Use, Attitudes toward Violence, and
Aggression among Combat Veterans with Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 189(5), 317 – 320.
Guns & Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://csgv.org/issues/guns-and-mental-
health/
Gun Violence. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2015, from
http://www.nij.gov/topics/crime/gun-violence/Pages/welcome.aspx
Hurt H, Malmud E, Brodsky NL, & Giannetta J. (2001). Exposure to violence:
Psychological and academic correlates in child witnesses. Archives of Pediatrics
& Adolescent Medicine, 155(12), 1351–1356.
Kramer, D. A., & Verhulst, J. (2013). Guns, Violence, and Mental Health: Did We Close
the State Mental Hospitals Prematurely? Psychiatric Times, 30(6), 34–35.

13. Running head: “BRIEF THE MAYOR" 13
McGreevy, P. (2014, September 3). California mayors urge governor to sign gun control
bill. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-
me-pc-california-mayors-urge-governor-to-sign-gun-control-bill-20140903-
story.html
Mercy, J. A., Rosenberg, M. L., Powell, K. E., Broome, C. V., & Roper, W. L. (1993).
Public health policy for preventing violence. Health Affairs, 12(4), 7–29.
Stein, B.D.,Jaycox, L.H., Kataoka, S.H., Wong, M., Tu, W., Elliott, M.N., & Fink, A.
(2003) A Mental Health Intervention for Schoolchildren Exposed to Violence: A
Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA, 290(5), 603 – 611.
Slovak, K. (2002). Gun violence and children: Factors related to exposure and trauma.
Health & Social Work, 27(2), 104–12.
(USAO), U. S. A. O. (n.d.). U.S. Attorney’s Office - Eastern District of California.
Retrieved January 27, 2015, from
http://www.justice.gov/usao/cae/news/docs/2014/2014_02/02-13-14PSN.html