House panel to study link between mental health and violence

The state House on Tuesday unanimously voted to create a committee to study mental health access and school violence, a measure inspired by recent tragedies such as the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn.

The nine-member commission would look at inadequacies in the system and would have until the end of 2013 to submit a report, which could include recommendations for reform. House Resolution 502’s sponsor, Rep. Kevin Tanner, R-Dawsonville, said there are several factors that lead to the inadequate treatment of the mentally ill: stigma, limited resources, workforce challenges and limited awareness.

Tanner referenced the joint committee that studied juvenile justice last year and produced the resulting well-supported proposed overhaul of that system. Tanner said he hopes to tackle mental health care the same way.