On Saturday, October 14, 2017, the Unitarian Society of New Haven will hold a symposium on mental health awareness to explore the truth behind the popular beliefs that mental illness and gun violence go hand in hand. In fact, the most rigorous, recent study found that only 4 percent of gun violence is caused by people with diagnosed mental illness, and people with mental illness are far more likely to be victims than perpetrators. Free-will donations will be gratefully accepted.

During the day, three expert panels will address the following questions:

Are people with mental illness at increased risk for violence?

Is it true that people with mental illness are at greater risk of suicide than homicide?

How do stigma and shame contribute to gun violence?

Can legislation and public health education reduce gun violence?

Panelists during the day include:  Dr. Larry Davidson, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Yale School of Medicine,  Scott Jackson, Commissioner, Department of Labor; former Chair, Sandy Hook Commission; Nicole Hockley, Managing Director, Sandy Hook Commission; Emily McCave, PhD, LMSW, Associate Professor of Social Work at Quinnipiac University, Former President of the Southern CT Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer