RCPA to Participate in Mental Health and School Safety Press Conference

Rep. Dan Miller: ‘Mental Health and School Safety’ topic of March 13 News Conference

Text of March 8 media advisory.

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Dan Miller, D-Mt. Lebanon, joined by other legislators, will host a “Mental Health and School Safety” news conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 13 in the Capitol Media Center.

Spurred in part by national reaction to the recent school shooting tragedy in Parkland, Fla., the legislators want to ensure that any aspect of mental health discussed in relation to school violence is appropriately tailored and addressed in a way that will not increase stigma or reinforce negative stereotypes.

While they agree this is a very important discussion to have, the legislators also want to underscore that too many have fought too hard for parity, acceptance and support to allow the roughly 20 percent of U.S. residents with a mental health issue to unjustly shoulder the blame for all acts of school violence.

Additionally, participants intend to stress the reality that people with a mental health issue are much more likely to be victims of crime than its perpetrators.

Participating legislators will be joined by spokespeople from key stakeholder groups, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association.

In addition to Miller, state Reps. Mike Schlossberg, Tom Murt, Gene DiGirolamo, Jason Ortitay and Judy Ward are among those expected to attend.

Media coverage is invited.

Questions, please contact Jack Phillips.