The Herald-Palladium: Fighting a stereotype

Area experts are skeptical new mental health measures will reduce gun violence, though they welcome President Obama's proposals to prevent, detect and treat mental illness.

The skepticism is rooted in the fact that the majority of violent crimes are not committed by people with a mental illness, including bipolar disorders, chronic depression and schizophrenia.

"It's important for the public to realize that mental illness does not equate with dangerous violence," said Duane McBride, chairman of the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Andrews University and chairman of the Berrien County Board of Health. Read full story.