Outreach is one important, vital and proven means of “reaching” the otherwise unreachable. It is proactive, not reactive, a preventative intervention, its about finding a Cho, Lanza etc. before they strike, and perhaps, turning them away from harming others or themselves.
Fiscally, the return on investment in prevention is dramatic. Money put into preemptive action against social ills yields anywhere from real bucks savings and dividends… 300 to 1000% return is a good deal on any investment, and it saves lives.
Can we prevent mass shootings?
It can address virtually any social need in almost any setting. Given the incredible explosion of social networking applications, its reach is only as limited as the imagination of those using it. The key is recognizing that it’s possible to prevent mass shootings. Reaching out proactively, creatively, compassionately, persistently, and effectively — before the tragedy — has never been easier, cheaper. or more available to service providers.
No Data Proves Outreach Can Prevent Mass Shootings
Outreach done really well targets much more than an individual or group, but a community. If someone is isolated. you may not reach them directly, but your outreach engages those who have relationships with them — “gatekeepers” or significant others.
That can also prevent mass shootings.
A similar approach is being used now in New Hampshire and elsewhere to prevent teen suicide.
We don’t know how well we can prevent mass shootings because outreach workers rarely run agencies. Prevention has never been given a fair trial. It seems policy-makers and administrators are never convinced to invest in prevention. No matter how logical and inexpensive it is, there is never enough “data” to support it because it never gets a fair trial.
How can you help convince decision-makers to study how to prevent mass shootings?
Wordworks Blog Author: Clif Wright
Clif Wright was one of the founding board members of a worldwide campaign to end Hunger. He and many other campaigners have helped to cut the number of deaths by starvation worldwide in half over the last 20 years, even as the global population has grown. Clif is a board member of Wellness Wordworks and a very passionate support of mental health entrepreneurship.
You’re right.
Suicide prevention is the path to mass killing prevention. People are capable of doing anything once they lock into a path of willed self-destruction.
I’ve been writing quite a lot about this — see my post How to Smoke Out a Suicidal Spree Killer Before Anyone Gets Hurt. http://redesigningmentalillness.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-smoke-out-suicidal-spree-killer.html.