Major Gun Control Law in America | Mental Health | Behavioral Health |

Major Gun Control Law in America | Mental Health | Behavioral Health |

In the Folds of a Major Gun Control Law, Mental Health Hope for California Youth

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was passed by Congress in June 2022, one month after a school shooting in Uvalde County, Texas, claimed the lives of 19 children and two adults. The BSCA strengthens current gun prohibitions while contributing more than $13 billion to public safety.

By genuinely funding health care through schools and public clinics, the act also addressed the long-standing narrative around mass shootings, which is that they are the result of mental illness.

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was passed by Congress in June 2022, one month after a school shooting in Uvalde County, Texas, claimed the lives of 19 children and two adults. The BSCA strengthens current gun prohibitions while contributing more than $13 billion to public safety.

By genuinely funding health care through schools and public clinics, the act also addressed the long-standing narrative around mass shootings, which is that they are the result of mental illness.

For Californians, it was fantastic news. If the state could enhance its low-income residents' access to healthcare, it would be even better news. Less than 50% of the more than 5.5 million children and adolescents aged 20 and under who were enrolled in Medi-Cal in 2017 received well-child screenings, which include physical exams, immunizations, mental health screenings, and dental help, according to a 2019 state auditor's report.

Of the $13 billion in the BSCA, $50 million will be used to fund programmes provided to Medicaid-eligible kids across the country. That refers to Medi-Cal in California, which offers people who qualify for free or inexpensive healthcare. Federal Medicaid as well as state levies and local revenues are used to support Medi-Cal.

President Joe Biden stated at the BSCA signing ceremony on June 25, 2022, that the new law "provides historic funding to address the youth mental health crisis in this country, notably the anguish endured by these gun violence survivors.

The National Education Association, the biggest teachers union in the country, referred to the BSCA as a "game changer" since it increased access to finances, increased the availability of funds for school-based mental health treatments, and recognized schools as places for "observation and intervention."

Despite the fact that the provisions for young people's mental health care went unnoticed, school administrators and education officials are starting to see how this financing would improve student well-being.

"Financing mental health has several benefits. Ron Avi Astor, a professor of social welfare at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, suggested hiring more social workers, psychiatrists, and counsellors as opposed to SROs (school resource officers).

Sen. Anthony J. Portantino (D-Burbank), a state senator from California, wrote in an email that removing obstacles to receiving behavioural health care is crucial to providing children with the assistance they need to succeed academically and beyond. For the bill signing, Portantino was invited to Washington, D.C. According to Portantino, "California is tackling these issues through legislation and federal efforts outlined in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act for school-based programmes [that] will go a long way in extending mental health care."

The BSCA offers funds totalling $500 million nationwide for school-based mental health services, $500 million for mental health professionals working in schools, $240 million for staff mental health training, and $28 million for school-based trauma assistance.

Soon after Biden signed the bill, it received condemnation from all quarters. Advocates for mental health were quick to point out how the persistent and incorrect association of mass shootings with mental illness by elected officials further stigmatised the latter. Advocates for the community expressed fear that paying for more school police would harm pupils, especially Black youth. (And, of course, supporters of the Second Amendment opposed the bill because the National Rifle Association long ago sided with business interests over the lives of children. I don't want to give them any room to make the typical accusations of mistreatment, violation of their rights, and overreach.) However, there has also been an acknowledgement of a chance to enhance student health and promote community mental health.

Once application guidelines have been developed, California will undoubtedly be able to access some of the billions in money granted under the BSCA. The National Education Association report on the BSCA emphasised state advances in lowering prior treatment barriers. However, it is important to make sure that the most vulnerable Californians - the poor — receive the resources they require.

Medi-Cal is available to anyone in California who is younger than 21. Access should continue to be straightforward because young people's health and well-being are at stake. However, a closer look at a government audit of Medicaid funding reveals the opposite. The number of Medi-Cal beneficiaries aged 20 and under who received these services decreased by more than half between 2010 and 2017: from 91% to 49%, according to federal data for the Early & Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment data, which includes childhood wellness checks, lead testing, hearing tests, as well as screening for depression, asthma, ADHD, and dental services. Beginning at age 6, Medi-Cal youth testing fell below 50% per age group, reaching a low of 14% among those aged 19 to 20. A very low proportion of young beneficiaries receive preventative dental care. It peaked in 2017 at 45%, but since 2011, the percentage has consistently been in the thirties.

Nobody appears to know why so few young people who are eligible for aid actually receive medical care. In its report to Congress, the GAO did not have it as its mandate. But by carefully reading some of the suggested improvements, such as simplified billing for schools, deleting recommendations for particular exams, and compensating schools for finding and enrolling eligible children, indications can be found.

Long wait times, frequent referrals to different providers, which force patients to repeat their medical information to numerous doctors and nurses, and a patchwork of service are all impediments that healthcare practitioners in California are aware of. This, according to one assessment, led to a "lack of trust in the system that is responsible for supporting their well-being." The BSCA promises to simplify billing and invoicing. Parental approval is required to enrol in Medicaid. Consent necessitates knowledge. Additionally, distance is a problem in many tiny, rural communities. The BSCA will pay school and district personnel who locate youngsters and make sure they are enrolled in Medi-Cal.

The health funding that is available to students has to be made more widely known in California. The majority of coverage of the BSCA has emphasised its pro-gun control features. Even the unusual occurrence of significant bipartisan legislation failed to get much notice. The National Education Association released a paper on how to get Medicaid and other federal funding for student health needs, but it didn't seem to get much attention, or at least no press.

The narrative surrounding massacres and mass shootings has long placed more emphasis on "sick individuals" and mental illness than it has on the actual weapons of violence, namely guns, especially automatic weapons. The customary talking points have been all that elected representatives have provided. Even Biden agreed that the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is far from a perfect answer, but at least it suggests using resources to address the alleged offender. It provides a crucial acknowledgement that mental health issues, both for those who have been injured and for their survivors, must be addressed. It provides an opportunity to address mental health problems, enhance governmental support for young people's health, and lessen the harm we are causing ourselves. Any day, I'll prefer a genuine commitment of resources, help, and assistance.

Gun control laws in America have been a highly controversial topic for decades. After several tragic mass shootings, there have been increased calls for stricter gun control laws to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. In response, several states have implemented their own laws, but there has yet to be a comprehensive federal law that addresses gun control nationwide. However, that could soon change with the introduction of a major gun control law in America.

The proposed law, known as the Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act, was introduced in Congress earlier this year. The bill aims to establish universal background checks for all gun purchases, ban high-capacity magazines, and provide grants for states to establish "red flag" laws that allow authorities to seize weapons momentarily from people who are a danger to themselves or others.

One of the most significant provisions of the bill is the establishment of universal background checks for all gun purchases. Currently, federal law only requires licensed gun dealers to conduct background checks on potential buyers. However, this loophole allows individuals to purchase guns from private sellers without undergoing a background check.

The bill also seeks to ban high-capacity magazines, which are often used in mass shootings. These magazines allow shooters to fire multiple rounds without needing to reload, increasing the potential for casualties. The sale, creation, and ownership of magazines that can carry more than 10 rounds of ammunition would be prohibited under the proposed law.

The proposed law seeks to close this loophole by requiring all gun transfers to undergo a background check, including those between private individuals.

Additionally, the bill seeks to provide grants for states to establish "red flag" laws. These laws allow family members, law enforcement, and other individuals to petition a court to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others. This provision aims to prevent individuals with a history of domestic violence, mental illness, or substance abuse from obtaining firearms.

The proposed law has faced opposition from pro-gun advocates who argue that it infringes on Second Amendment rights. However, supporters argue that the bill is necessary to prevent future mass shootings and reduce gun violence in America. The bill has been referred to several committees in Congress for further review, and it remains to be seen whether it will gain enough support to become law.

In conclusion, the Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act is a major gun control law that seeks to establish universal background checks, ban high-capacity magazines, and provide grants for states to establish "red flag" laws. While it has faced opposition, supporters argue that the law is necessary to prevent future mass shootings and reduce gun violence in America. The bill remains under review in Congress, and it will be interesting to see how the debate unfolds in the coming months.

How to Control Gun and this type of Equipment Through mental health awareness

Gun control is an important issue that has been debated for many years. One aspect of gun control that is particularly important is the issue of controlling guns among underage individuals. In this article, we will discuss some ways that parents and guardians can help to control guns under age.

1. Education

The first step in controlling guns under age is education. It is important for parents and guardians to educate their children about the dangers of guns and the importance of gun safety. Children should be taught that guns are not toys and should never be played with. They should also be taught how to safely handle guns if they ever come across one.

2. Secure Storage

Another important step in controlling guns under age is secure storage. Parents and guardians should make sure that guns are stored in a secure location, such as a locked gun safe or cabinet. The key or combination to the safe or cabinet should be kept out of reach of children. If a gun is left out in the open, it is much more likely to be accidentally discharged or used inappropriately.

3. Supervision

Parents and guardians should also supervise their children when they are around guns. This means that children should not have access to guns when their parents or guardians are not present. Parents and guardians should also make sure that anyone who is handling a gun in their presence is doing so safely and responsibly.

4. Reporting

Finally, it is important to report any incidents involving guns to the appropriate authorities. If a child comes across a gun that is not properly secured, or if they witness someone handling a gun in an unsafe or inappropriate manner, it should be reported to the police. Reporting incidents like these can help prevent accidents and keep guns out of the hands of underage individuals.

In conclusion, controlling guns under age is an important issue that requires education, secure storage, supervision, and reporting. By taking these steps, parents and guardians can help prevent accidents and keep guns out of the hands of underage individuals. Remember, gun safety is everyone's responsibility.