Letter to the editor
When discussing gun control, something that is often overlooked is mental health.
Mental health should be a top priority when discussing the gun control situation and the mass shootings that have occurred in the United States.
In Montgomery County, suggestions have been made to increase the number of resource officers in schools. Employing retired police officers has also been mentioned. Both are good ideas.
But, “mental health coordinators” are needed even more, particularly at the high school level. Many high school students are crying for support.
They need someone to talk to concerning their problems and concerns. Many lose faith in themselves and everything around them. When that happens they turn to extreme measures.
People say that school guidance counselors are available to satisfy student problems. But, today counselors often have a 250 to one student/counselor ratio.
Counselors test, schedule and satisfy other school requirements. If mental health coordinators were hired, their job would strictly be to work with students who need someone.
Teachers know who those students are. Using this approach, schools have a better chance of stopping the shooting before it starts.
I have been out of the counseling business for over ten years, but I bet there are other counselors who feel the same way.
Steve Huppert,
Member of the Christiansburg Town Council
