mpha gun violence prevention survey · mpha gun violence prevention survey results february 2013...

MPHA Gun Violence Prevention Survey Part 1: Summary of questions

Survey and Analysis by: Jamie R. Shank

MPHA Gun Violence Prevention Survey Results

February 2013 page 1

MPHA Survey Results (120 Responses)

Support and Strongly Support:

96.61% support school and university based mental health intervention programs targeting those students who display violent tendencies. Q5

94.82% support legislative action to increase funding for programs addressing mental health in Missouri. Q8

89.91% support development and implementation of mental health screening, education and intervention programs which target children at higher risk for the development of mental health difficulties. Q6

85.59% support education on the dangers of handguns (especially in the home) for public health and mental health professionals. Q1

82.76% support the enactment of laws which expand the existing background check system to include more mental health data. Q11

82.35% support the creation and evaluation of community based programs targeting responsible gun ownership. Q4

81.36% support creation and evaluation of community and school‐based prevention programs targeting handgun injuries (including suicides, homicides and assaults). Q2

77.96% support the creation and evaluation of comprehensive data collection systems to facilitate research on prevention of handgun‐related injuries fatalities. Q3

74.79% support a recommendation of health and mental health providers advising their clients about the hazards of handguns. Q7

60.69% support the enactment of federal, state and local laws designed to limit access to high‐powered assault pistols. Q12



Do not Support and Strongly Do Not Support

47.01 % do not or strongly do not support enactment of laws designed to reduce access to permits to carry a concealed handgun. Q13

*The “Strongly do not support” category never had the majority response unless combined with the “Do not support,” category and jointly they would demonstrate a majority response greater than either the combination or individual responses to “Strongly Support” or “Support.”

*Conversely, the “Strongly do support,” category indicated the greatest percent of responses per question on every question. However, this majority response could be surpassed (even after “Support” was combined) when the “Strongly do not” and “Do not support” were combined.

Non‐Conclusive or Small Margin

42.73% do not support or strongly do not support the enactment of laws designed to limit access to handguns (compared to 42.74% who do support or who strongly support this statement. Same number of people, 50, in each category). Q9

46.09% do not support or strongly do not support enactment of laws designed to limit access to handgun purchases, including those at gun shows, (compared to 46.05% who do support or who strongly support this statement. Same number of people, 53, in both categories). Q10

47.86% support or strongly support regulation of the gun industry practices,

including the design, marketing and distribution of handguns, compared to

35.89% who do not support or strongly do not support the regulation and

16.24% neutral. Q14



Survey Graphs and Tables

Q1: How strongly do you support education on the dangers of handguns (especially in the home) for public health and mental health professionals? Answered: 118 Skipped: 2

Q2: How strongly do you support the creation and evaluation of community and school‐based prevention programs targeting handgun injuries (including suicides, homicides and assaults)? Answered: 118 Skipped: 2



Q3: How strongly would you support the creation and evaluation of comprehensive data collection systems to facilitate research on prevention of handgun‐related injuries fatalities? Answered: 118 Skipped: 2 *Note: Numerical Data in the graph shows number of responses and does not represent percent.

Q4: How strongly would you support the creation and evaluation of community based programs targeting responsible gun ownership? Answered: 119 Skipped: 1



Q5: How strongly would you support school and university based mental health intervention programs targeting those students who display violent tendencies? Answered: 118 Skipped: 2

Q6: How strongly would you support the development and implementation of mental health screening, education and intervention programs which target children at higher risk for the development of mental health difficulties? Answered: 119 Skipped: 1



Q7: How strongly do you support a recommendation of health and mental health providers advising their clients about the hazards of handguns? Answered: 119 Skipped: 1

Q8: How strongly would you support legislative action to increase funding for programs addressing mental health in Missouri? Answered: 116 Skipped: 4



Q9: How strongly would you support the enactment of federal, state and local laws designed to limit access to handguns? Answered: 117 Skipped: 3

Q10: How strongly would you support the enactment of federal, state and local laws designed to limit access to handgun purchases (including those at gun shows)?Answered: 115 Skipped: 5



Q11: How strongly would you support the enactment of laws which expand the existing background check system to include more mental health data? Answered: 116 Skipped: 4

Q12: How strongly would you support the enactment of federal, state and local laws designed to limit access to high‐powered assault pistols? Answered: 117 Skipped: 3



Q13: How strongly would you support the enactment of federal, state and local laws designed to reduce access to permits to carry a concealed handgun? Answered: 117 Skipped: 3

Q14: How strongly would you support regulation of the gun industry practices, including the design, marketing and distribution of handguns? Answered: 117 Skipped: 3



Q15: Do you feel more stringent gun reform efforts will contribute to other weapons increase (such as knives)? Answered: 105 Skipped: 1



Q16: What other actions or issues, if any, do you think should be taken or considered? Answered: 40 Skipped: 80

Q16: Text analysis of Top 5 words/phrases used:

Gun, 15 mentions = 37%

Mental Health, 13 mentions = 32%

Education, 9 mentions = 22%

Violence, 8 mentions = 20%

Federal, 3 mentions = 7%



Q17: Which stance are you most likely to take on whether MPHA should release a statement on gun violence prevention? Answered: 109 Skipped: 11



Q18: If you replied Yes to "MPHA should draft their own position on gun violence prevention," on the previous question, please list essential elements of MPHA's position you feel should be included. Answered: 35 Skipped: 85

Q18: Text analysis of Top 5 words/phrases used:

Focus, 9 mentions = 25%

Education, 7 mentions = 20!

Issues, 7 mentions = 20%

Gun Violence, 6 mentions at 17%

Violent, 5 mentions = 14%



End of Part 1: Summary of questions



MPHA Gun Violence Prevention Survey Part 2: Summary of written responses

Survey and Analysis by: Jamie R. Shank



Note: Each written response has been categorized according to the context of the response.

These categories are further analyzed in the Part 1: Question summary section.

Question 15: Do you feel more stringent gun reform efforts will contribute to other weapons

increase (such as knives)? Answered: 105 (of these, 14 provided written responses) Skipped: 1

Multifaceted Approach Yes, we need to do both focus on predisposing and reduce availability

No Gov. Reform I think we have to be careful what we stand for and am satisfied with what is in the Constitution.

No Gov. Reform I do not agree with more stringent gun reform. It will affect those who obey the law already the most. Those who are violent and choose to break the law will still obtain guns if they desire to use them.

No Gov. Reform The people who use the guns inappropriately are not law followers, I do not believe laws that they have already broken will stop them from their mission.

Multifaceted Approach There should be both approaches: more stringent gun reform efforts AND focusing on predisposing factors toward violence‐related injury and death. One does not excludes the other.

No Gov. Reform I feel it is not going to make any difference as the "bad guys" are still going to get the guns no matter what restrictions are implemented. Any restriction is only going to punish those of us who are gun owners and the "good guys".

No Gov. Reform This survey is seriously flawed by the lack of understanding of the plethora of laws already on the books that are not being followed, by the failure to recognize that criminals will not follow these laws and a failure to recognize that there are ample statistics compiled by the FBI to show that areas with stricter gun control laws and less legal gun ownership are MORE prone to violent crimes than those that allow law‐abiding citizens to possess and to carry legal firearms for defense of themselves, their loved ones and their property. CT has some of the strictest gun laws in the country and still the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary still occurred. Guns are not the cause of gun violence, nor are law‐abiding gun owners. Quit trying approaches that have already failed and be original.

No Gov. Reform I think stringent gun reform efforts is a waste of time and energy. Someone intending to do harm will find a weapon and a way. I would rather see monies and resources used to identify the violent hostile individual. No Gov. Reform A person intent on causing harm will find a way to accomplish their goals with or without guns. Look at Timothy McVeigh.

Other I don't have enough data to know whether it would increase the use of other weapons, but I think it is ok to focus on gun related injuries/fatalities



Mental Health Regardless of laws and regulations, guns and other weapons will fall into the wrong hands and the focus should be on the underlying cause of violence‐related injury and mental health programs to address violent behavior.

Other Criminals will always get weapons of one kind or another. The strong can prey on the weak. A firearm negates the strength advantage.

Mental Health FundingNo Gov. Reform I feel that our government should increase funding in mental health programs and leave our gun laws alone.

No Gov. Reform Legal gun owners are not the problem. The problem is the criminals who commit the crimes with guns. They obtain them through stealing or purchasing off the street.

Question 16: What other actions or issues, if any, do you think should be taken or considered? Answered: 40 Skipped: 80

Education Public education, and task force to eliminate assault weapons in the hands of citizens. These are not hunting tools.

New Reform We need a federal initiative funding Chicago's Cure Violence, Kansas City's Aim4Peace programs in the top 50 urban areas, similar to Ryan White HIV/AIDS, based on the overall historical # of homicides and rates of black homicides

Other GUNS DON"T KILL PEOPLE!! PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE!!

No Gov. Reform I believe that this should be a State decision and not a federal. The Constitution gives us the right to bear arms, and although I prefer not to, I do not want the federal government telling me I can't.

Better Current Enforcement Better enforcement of existing gun laws.

Education Public Health is about protecting, promoting, and preventing. Education is best. Changing the way things have always been. Respect for guns and their use should be taught to all children. Maybe all should be required to have hunter's education. It could be something provided in schools.

Better Current Enforcement When convicted of a violent crime. The person should be required to complete the punishment given.

New Reform While considering gun control, manufacturer responsibility and liability should be addressed.

Education Gun education in schools.

Other MPHA should adopt APHA's position on gun violence.



New Reform Outlawing firearms used in combat

Prevention General violence prevention intervention.

Mental Health I support all of Pres. Obama's proposals to address these issues. I do, however, have concerns about the potential for labeling and stigmatization of children and adults with mental health problems, because the vast majority of them are NOT violent.

Mental Health The problem is mental health screening and treatment. Guns are already regulated. Unstable individuals steal guns, they don't buy them.

Other More security for schools

Education In a rural area, guns in the home are prevalent. Include education on safe storage, practices for guns in the home with children.

Mental Health Better Current Enforcement Focus on the fact this is a mental health issue. Endorse current gun control laws.

Mental Health How are the mental health cases evaluated as to say who has the issues.

Better Current Enforcement New Reform I do feel that everyone that purchased a gun should have to go through a background check, no matter where they purchase the gun.

Education Mental Health Focus attention on mental health, public education regarding responsible gun ownership, and security in schools. Comprehensive review of violence/murder data to eliminate biased messages being sent through the media and politicians.

New Reform Limit number of bullets that can be discharged without reloading

Other No Gov. Reform My other major concern is how the emotion connected with the recent shootings have led many to feel it is ok to violate patient privacy when we have been beaten about the head and neck in the health care industry with HIPPA laws for the last ten years. It we can do it in the case of mental health, what will be next? Is privacy only a right when it applies to abortion?

Education Teaching responsibility and respect from parent to child toward life, other people, their actions, and handling of any weapon including vehicles.

Education Mental Health I strongly support the second amendment. I think that interventions should be aimed at mental health care and gun safety education.

Mental Health Our mental health system is non‐existent where I live in rural nw MO. It is very difficult to find help for those in need of mental health services and if you do transportation is an issue.



Education education

New Reform Outlaw assault rifles and large capacity clips.

Better Current Enforcement Focus on stiffer penalties for crimes. Our prisons are overcrowded because the penalties are light. Countries with stiff penalties and prisons that people do not want to be in don't have as much trouble with crime as our nation. Gun control is not the answer.

Other Effect of violence on tv, video games, national media transforming shooter into celebrities.

No Gov. Reform The majority of the State of Missouri is rural with very different issues than the urban areas. I think it is wise to keep in mind that gun safety and violence prevention activities will look different in these places and not try to write policy or build programs that blankets the entire state.

Mental Health Mental Health citizens cannot ALWAYS be mainstreamed. Closer monitoring mental health clients. It takes a person to pull the trigger.

Mental Health New Reform Limit on bullets sold Increase access to mental health

Better Current Enforcement Reinstate the federal ban on "assault" weapons and high‐capacity magazines

Other same answer as #15

Better Current Enforcement A more reliable gun registry system.

Mental Health Easier access to mental health treatment when identified.

Education Mental Health No Gov. Reform Restriction of legal access to handguns will not prevent those who do not follow the laws anyway from obtaining them. A strong stance on mental health issues and resources is needed if we want to address the underlying issues of violence. I agree with education for safe handgun ownership and use.

Other NA

Education Education and time management to young urban youth that are other things to do than to join gangs and resort to violence to gain respect or solve a problem.

Other The above actions would be a good start.

Question 18: If you replied Yes to "MPHA should draft their own position on gun violence prevention," on the previous question, please list essential elements of MPHA's position you feel should be included. Answered: 35 Skipped: 85



Mental HealthPreventionMental Health Funding focus on mental wellness ‐ social and emotional development and skill building in youth, adequate funding for mental health prevention efforts and direct services and the general prevention of violence related injury

Mental HealthNew Reform Addressing mental health issues, and assault weapon ban

Mental Health Funding I prefer we look at this regarding the lack of Mental Health funding, giving them the ability to address handling and ownership of guns. I do not see a need for "repeater active ammunition" but neither do I want Big Brother checking my house for weapons.

New Reform Eliminating the interstate traffic in firearms and ammunition that had previously frustrated state and local efforts to license, register, or restrict ownership of guns. (2) Denying access to firearms to certain congressionally defined groups, including minors, convicted felons, and persons who had been adjudicated as mental defectives or committed to mental institutions. (3) Ending the importation of all surplus military firearms and all other guns unless certified by the Secretary of the Treasury as "particularly suitable for sporting purposes

PreventionNo Gov. Reform Public Health should stay out of gun control and focus on violence prevention.

New Reform ban on assault weapons and large magazines

EducationNew ReformMental Health Funding Provider education, restricted access to gun sales (background checks), better MH funding.

Mental Health FundingNo Gov. Reform The need is not for more regulation, but for better mental health screening and treatment.

Mental Health Strong focus on mental health issues and treatment of the problem rather than symptoms

New Reform limitations on magazines, etc. MO big on hunting, that's fine but no reason to not limit type and ammo for guns

Include the NRA in the discussion

PreventionNo Gov Reform MPHA should focus more on health and safety issues of gun violence rather than the 2nd amendment.

EducationPrevention Education and additional screenings for those intending to purchase

Mental HealthPreventionNo Gov Reform mental health interventions for prevention and provide avenues for treatment for potentially violent individuals. Attempt to change conversation toward more productive dialogue versus implementing legislation which will only impact law abiding citizens.



Mental HealthPreventionNo Gov Reform I believe the focus should be on prevention and mental health. To take a strong stance on limiting the perceived rights of gun owners in this state will not be met positively and will likely put MPHA on the wrong side of the legislature in this state.

Enforcement MPHA needs to be bold enough to take the position that laws will not prevent gun or any other violence. These perturbations will only be prevented by enforcement of the existing laws and stiff, inflexible penalties for criminals who use a weapon in the commission of a crime. Also, I agree with the NRA that the only way to protect our children against bad guys with guns it to guard them with good guys with guns.

Mental Health Personal responsibility for individual actions. Screening, easy access, and treatment for mental illness.

New ReformBetter Current Enforcement More stringent laws on high powered guns/assault rifles

Mental HealthNew Reform Once again the focus needs to be on mental health access as well as no need for high powered assault rifles or machine guns why does anyone need to have one of those in their possession?

Mental HealthPreventionNew Reform More emphasis on Mental Health and Domestic Violence recognition. Background checks on all gun sales, especially at "gun shows". Stressing safety of guns in the home so those that shouldn't have access don't.

New ReformResearch Initiatives Requirement of background checks/waiting period on all gun purchases. National tracking database on all guns sold. Outlaw assault weapons and large capacity clips.

Better Current Enforcement Stringent background checks

Better Current EnforcementResearch Initiatives If adopted focus should be on application of existing laws, based on statistics not on emotions, focus on reasons behind the violence not the tool used to carry out the act.

I feel that we should be careful not to add stigma to people with mental illness. The majority of people with mental illness are not violent, and those that do become violent are difficult to predict based solely on their mental health diagnosis. Additionally, violence in general is on the decrease our statement should address issues that are strictly related to data coming out of Missouri.

EducationPreventionMental Health FundingNo Gov. Reform Increase funding for mental health, increase education regarding responsible gun ownership and safety, do not regulate guns, we need more education and interventions



EducationPreventionResearch Initiatives Focus on the public health approach of gun violence as an issue of injury prevention and apply education, research & data collection and additional resources to support this.

New ReformMental Health Funding Federal ban on assault weapons and high‐capacity ammunition magazines, close the "gun show loophole", ensure funding and access to mental health services, expand research on gun violence and other violent deaths

Mental HealthEducationNo Gov. Reform MPHA should stick to educational issues and legislation for mental health services improvement. Any position on actual gun laws is not really our province and may be so divisive an issue within our own membership as to bog everything down.

Prevention RE: Q/15,16,17 ‐ these are too nebulous to answer. I believe we should stick with what we know as a public health organization‐ e.g. prevention and not taking sides on non‐evidence based changes people want to make.

Research Initiatives Consider how Missourians view guns, what percentage of the population own and use them for recreation, while obviously taking into account gun‐related deaths, etc.

Mental Health focus on mental health

Mental Health FundingResearch Initiatives data analysis, financial resources if LPHA's are to provide community education, support funding comprehensive community mental health services.

Mental HealthEducation Support for Mental Health screening and treatment options including in‐patient and outpatient. Education for safe ownership, use and storage of handguns. Early education in safety issues in school age children.

Mental Health Emphasis on screening and more in depth look at mental health status and identifying those with violent mental health tendencies

Education Education and registration for legal gun ownership and education and law enforcement for those who commit the crimes with guns. The fact is that it is rare that a legitimate gun owner commits a violent crime with a gun.



End of Part 2: Summary of written responses

mpha gun violence prevention survey · mpha gun violence prevention survey results february 2013...

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