To the Editor:
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) applauds President Obama’s formation of a gun violence taskforce.
In a speech announcing the task force, President Obama said, “We need to work on making access to mental health care at least as easy as access to a gun.”
AACAP is urging the White House to convene a summit on children’s mental health, with the goal of developing a comprehensive national strategy for the prevention, identification, treatment and research of mental illnesses.
By identifying children and youth struggling with mental illness and providing treatment, we can improve the lives of the next generation and avoid unnecessary tragedies.
Representing over 8,700 child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is the leading authority on children's mental health. AACAP Members actively research, diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents and their families. For more information please visit www.aacap.org.
Martin J. Drell, President
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
www.aacap.org