Mental Illness Not to Blame for Mass Shootings Says Local Author

Mental Illness Not to Blame for Mass Shootings Says Local Author

Michael Mackniak, JD releases new book “Saving Melissa: The 7 Cs to Cure the Mental Health System”

Launch celebration slated for September 28

September 2016 (Naugatuck, CT)— Mental illness is not the reason for the increase in mass shootings throughout the world. Attorney, author and long-time nonprofit executive Michael Mackniak, JD stresses there are many other factors to consider before leaping to the conclusion that perpetrators of horrific violence act exclusively due to mental illness.

“People living with mental illness are portrayed in the media like they are possessed demons who have been lying in wait to prey on society,” says Mackniak, who serves as Chief Operating Officer of the award-winning

nonprofit organization Guardian Ad Litem Services. “The reality is that these folks are far more likely to be victimized than they are to commit heinous acts.”

Saving Melissa is about overcoming the odds in a complex mental health system. It offers a powerful account of Mackniak, a young lawyer handling conservatorships, helping Melissa, one of his first clients. Utilizing

“The Guardian Model” which he co-created, Mackniak details smart, practical solutions of how to improve care for people living with severe and persistent mental illnesses. The model benefits clients, families, fiduciaries and policy makers despite having fewer resources in a modern economy. Mackniak presents misconceptions about the mental health system, barriers to treatment, stigma, and how the lack of communication between providers oftentimes hamstrings those who have the best intentions.

“Saving Melissa gives us a design to enhance our service system and to reach more people. We need to be proactive about what works rather than waiting to react to every crisis,” says Mackniak.

A Saving Melissa book launch party will take place Wednesday, September 28 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Jesse Camille’s Restaurant in Naugatuck. For more information call 203-723-4332.

About the Author:

Michael Mackniak is an attorney, innovator and strategist. He is the nation’s foremost speaker on interrelated human service systems™ . Michael has lectured across the United States demonstrating the effectiveness of proactive planning to avoid costly and ineffective interventions for people in need. He holds a law degree from Quinnipiac University and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Bay Path University. Michael is a National Certified Guardian and a certified brain injury specialist. His programs have received multiple awards and honors including national recognition from Eli Lily’s “Welcome Back Award,” NAMI’s “Hero Award” and the 2015 National College of Probate Judges’ “Isabella Award.”