A15 - Mass Violence in the United States: Definition, Prevalence, Causes, Impacts and Solutions 

Monday, May 5, 2025

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM ET

Location: 117

Mass violence is a serious and growing public health concern in the U.S. After such tragedies, community leaders, politicians and media may invoke mental illness as the reason for mass violence, a narrative that resonates with the widespread public belief that people with mental illness pose a danger to others. This presentation will provide an overview of mass violence in the U.S. and a broad range of recommendations that can help prevent mass violence incidents and better support people who are struggling.

Learning Objectives:

Examine recommendations for preventing mass violence.
Explore the lack of connection to mental illness and perpetrators of mass violence.
Identify ways to support those that are struggling with mental illness.

Breakout Presenter(s)

Joe Parks, MD

Principal Medical Advisor
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Washington, District of Columbia
John S. Rozel, MD, MSL, DFAPA

Medical Director
UPMC Crisis Services
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sara Coffey, DO

Interim Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Tulsa, Oklahoma