WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-NY) will host a congressional briefing, entitled “Mental Health and Youth Violence,” to discuss whether or not the presence of mental illness predisposes youth to violence, which is increasing rapidly in schools and communities around the country. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL) will extend remarks on the role of the juvenile justice system.

Experts say that violence in the United States is a “public health epidemic,” with graphic images of violence in the media,  communities, and  personal interactions – namely in schools and in families, where instances of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are not uncommon.  Many believe that the presence of unchecked mental illness may exacerbate the problem, causing some youth with mental health issues to engage in violent acts.

MODERATORS:         Sonjiah Davis, Social Work Fellow, Office of U.S. Rep. Edolphus Towns
                                 Samantha Opong, Social Work Fellow, Office of U.S. Rep. Edolphus Towns

PANELISTS:               Westley Clark, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., CAS, FASAM
                                  Director, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental
                                  Health Services Administration
                                  Department of Heath and Human Services

                                  Kenny Barnes, Sr.
                                  R.O.O.T, Inc.

                                  Darcy Gruttadaro, J.D.
                                  Director, Child and Adolescent Action Center
                                  National Alliance on Mental Illness

                                  Mel Wilson, LCSW, MBA
                                  Manager, Affirmative Action Office NASW
                                  Office of Workforce Development and Training

                                  Ronald L Moten
                                  Peaceoholics, Inc.

DATE:                        Thursday, March 26, 2009

 TIME:                        1:00 p.m.

 
PLACE:                      2203 Rayburn House Office Building
                                  Washington, D.C. 20515

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