Sandy Hook Promise Applauds Executive Actions Taken to Prevent Gun Violence in the Areas of Gun Safety and Mental Health & Wellness

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Sandy Hook Promise is pleased to be in the Capitol, where Mark Barden will introduce President Obama before he unveils his executive actions.

We commend the White House on announcing a package of executive actions that will help prevent gun violence and keep communities safe. The actions, which include expanding background checks to keep guns out of the wrong hands and increased funding for mental health and wellness services, are much needed steps toward protecting our children and families from harm.

We are particularly appreciative of the President's focus on mental health and getting people more access to care. Though mental illness rarely leads to violence, we know that people who lack mental wellness and coping skills can become violent towards themselves or others, and as a country we need to be more educated at recognizing the signs of at-risk behaviors and getting people help. We have always stressed that gun violence prevention cannot succeed without a comprehensive solution that goes beyond just firearms, and we are pleased to see the President offer a broad package of actions. This expansive solution, that narrows loopholes on existing gun sales, gives people aid to prevent violence from ever occurring, ensures smart and effective enforcement of existing legislation and considers future solutions to making weapons safer, will achieve its goal of making America safer and saving lives.

For the last three years, Sandy Hook Promise and our supporters have been working tirelessly in communities, states and in DC for progress in gun violence reduction. By providing free programs and lobbying for sensible legislation to protect both children and personal freedoms, we are delivering our mission to make communities across America safer. We have sat with many elected officials, including the President, and other concerned citizens to discuss options that would help deliver this mission, without infringing on Constitutional rights. We believe the actions announced today have delivered that balance.

About Sandy Hook Promise:

Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national, nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. We are led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012 that claimed the lives of 20 first-graders and 6 educators. Sandy Hook Promise is focused on preventing gun violence (and all violence) BEFORE it happens by educating and mobilizing parents, schools and communities on mental health and wellness programs that identify, intervene and help at-risk individuals. SHP is a moderate, above-the-politics organization that supports sensible non-policy and policy solutions that protect children and prevent gun violence. Our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. Make the Promise at www.sandyhookpromise.org.