Pamela Cipriano, PhD, RN, president of the American Nurses Association, has expressed her support of President Barack Obama's executive actions to reduce gun violence and bolster mental healthcare in the U.S.
"We are especially heartened by the president's emphasis on increasing access to mental healthcare," she said. "While people with mental illness are more likely to be the victims of gun violence rather than the perpetrators, recent events have repeatedly shown the link between easy access to guns and inadequate access to mental healthcare services."
Part of President Obama's announcement Tuesday involves a $500 million investment in supporting engaging patients in their care and upping the capacity of the mental healthcare system. However, according to The Hill, that money must be allocated by Congress.
President Obama also announced an expansion of the background check system for gun sales taking place online and at gun shows, according to CNN.
This response is par for the course for the ANA, which, after the Sandy Hook tragedy, issued a call to action to Congress and policymakers to take actions to curb gun violence.
"[Tuesday's] actions are a start, but we will continue to call on lawmakers to enact additional meaningful reforms to protect society and stop the constant cycle of gun violence and death that plagues our communities," Dr. Cipriano said.