Recent articles from Journal of American College Health focus on campus safety

Apr 10 2013

Journal of American College Health highlights studies on campus safety

In a recent Editorial: How Safe Are College Campuses? published in the Journal of American College Health, Co-Editor Dr. Teri Aronowitz compares the frequency of violence in the USA to that of the flu. "We need to frame these violent occurrences as a public health emergency just as we would an outbreak of influenza or other public health issues," Dr. Aronowitz explains. "It is imperative that we transcend politics and advance the discussion in credible, evidence-driven ways."

Of course many factors contribute to the prevalence of violence in our country. But considering that 3 out of the 10 latest mass murder events in the United States were orchestrated by suspected college age adults, it seems necessary to "examine potential constructs that contribute to violent behavior" particularly in our nation's young people.

Several recent articles from the Journal of American College Health address the issues related to campus safety. "Concealed Carry Weapon Permits: A Second Amendment Right or a Recipe for Disaster on Our Nation's Campuses?" by former Co-Editor Reginald Fennell , discusses the need for more direct counseling for students who have weapons, and the type of responses needed for this legislation.

"Students Left Behind: The Limitations of University-Based Health Insurance for Students With Mental Illnesses" by Belinda J. McIntosh, Michael T. Compton, and Benjamin G. Druss discusses the mental health coverage of college aged young people, and the prevalence or lack of assistance to the students who need it.

Finally in "Reducing Firearm-Related Violence on College Campuses—Police Chiefs' Perceptions and Practices" by Amy Thompson, James H. Price, Adam J. Mrdjenovich, and Jagdish Khubchandani , issues surrounding the prevalence of firearm violence at universities are discussed with campus police chiefs.