While everyday routines are beginning to return to normal, many people are still reeling from and contemplating the tragedy at Virginia Tech. People are shocked and saddened to know that violence of such horrific proportions could impact a college town in rural Virginia and leave an entire country mourning the loss.

I expect that each of us has taken time to think about how the events at Virginia Tech have affected us on a personal level. As a parent, I am reminded that children, at a very early age, reach a point where a parent can no longer shelter them from the potential threats of our modern world.

As the President and CEO of Devereux, I have reflected on the potential missed opportunities to have reached the 23 year-old student perpetrator, who was so severely disturbed, but not receiving the mental health attention he desperately needed. Perhaps we may have been able to avert this tragic outcome. Quality mental health services can have an enormous, positive impact on individuals who are living with mental illness, and allow them to lead meaningful and productive lives.

Our society has struggled to find the balance between protecting those suffering from mental illness and society at large from harm, while safeguarding the civil liberties of all individuals. While I do not have an easy answer, I do believe we need to be more proactive in ensuring early identification, rapid access and continuing mental health care for people who are coping with serious mental illness. In post-tragedy interviews, many students and faculty spoke of their concerns and even fears of this student, referencing his erratic, withdrawn and anti-social behavior.

As a society, we need to fight the stigma that is so often associated with mental illness. In fact, violent acts by persons with mental illness are rare. However, we clearly need to find better ways to support those who need help to take advantage of the resources available in our communities.

We can hope, that from this tragedy at Virginia Tech, will come a greater awareness of the importance of mental health services to our communities and a more effective balance of individual and community rights.