President Obama has been criticized for not mentioning gun control in his convention speech. In the spate of recent high-profile mass shootings, inadequately treated mental illness and the use of a firearm are common factors.

As part of the Affordable Care Act, Pres. Obama has made prevention in public health a major focus. The ACA’s National Prevention Strategy has seven key priorities, one of which is the early detection and treatment of mental illness. It’s well documented that inadequately treated mental illness is extremely costly, not only in terms of lost productivity and school absenteeism, but in the human costs to families and those affected by violence.

Instead of being mired in the usual grappling over gun control policies, the Obama administration aims to address the root causes of the problem. This will solve many problems, including protecting the public from those who are delusional and violent.

Wendy Stephan, Miami