Atrium Health worked with the City of Charlotte to create a violent intervention program over a year ago. The program begins in an unexpected place: the emergency room. The goal of this program is to provide victims with all necessary services to prevent them from becoming repeat victims or perpetrators of violence. The program has her team of three at the hospital, two of whom she is available on the phone 24/7 if needed.

This year, Charlotte Police say nearly 500 boys have been victims of gun-related crime. Program coordinator Britney Brown says age groups are a big focus of the violence intervention program.

Britney Brown: We focus on individuals between the ages of 14 and 24. Usually she cuts off at 24, although in special cases it will be over 25. Hospitalization is required for certain types of stabbing and violent trauma, such as gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and blunt force assaults.

It can even become a battle. Sometimes we see fights that are so toxic that they are hospitalized. It must not be self-harming, trafficking or domestic activity. Because there are programs within the hospital that work specifically to meet these standards.

So we asked them, are they safe at home? Do they have enough food everywhere? Are they happy to be back where they live? Are they in school now? Therefore, surveys are based on figuring out where there are gaps in their lives, so they can help pave the way for filling those gaps.

Gwendolyn Glenn: Now let me ask you this. These are shooting victims. How early can you ask them these questions? How does it work?

brown: Therefore, when I meet a patient for the first time, I do not immediately answer the questionnaire. We want to build relationships with them first and foremost. Sometimes they are intubated and still asleep or still in surgery. So build relationships with family and friends who are in the hospital. And maybe give it a day or so before doing the social determinants of health. Because I want them to understand that this is relationship building and questions are only built to help them in the long run.

Glenn: What kind of follow-up is there to ensure that someone does not retaliate against them or retaliate against the person who shot them? Also, should they be offered long-term counseling or long-term services Are they?

brown: At no point should anyone be taken off the caseload. they can contact us. They can call us for up to six months. Ok, and they also expressed a new need six months after that.

As they heal physically, we are learning that their needs become a little more obvious. they want to get better. That’s why it’s so important to stay with them as long as they need to.

Glenn: And what new needs do they bring to you?

brown: Focus on finishing school. If I am not attending school, I would like to focus on my career training. A lot of our people want to trade, so we talk about trading a lot right now.

Glenn: And they say they can help you out. Do you have someone available 24 hours a day? Because many of these shootings certainly happened in the middle of the night.

brown: That’s why we’re expanding our program and letting everyone in the hospital know about the program, so they’re always reminded to contact us at any time of the day or night.

Glenn: Tell me, tell me the story of the one who came in. Please tell us how you guys are helping them and how they are doing.

brown: Most recently there was a young man who was 17 years old. He was becoming homeless. He was actually shot on school grounds. It was after school and his aunt was in the hospital and she was very frustrated and worried for her and his safety. I immediately contacted the Mecklenburg County Violence Prevention Department, and she gave me the names of several organizations that specifically help teenage boys. A referral was made for him within 24 hours.

A counselor came and talked to my aunt. Her aunt agreed to counsel with him while he was in the hospital. From there, she became much more comfortable bringing him home. So now he’s fine.

Glenn: Do you have information on the success rate of this program?

brown: The main goal of this program is to reduce recidivism. As it is. If someone we’ve seen comes back to the hospital, it’s for health reasons.

Glenn: Anything else you’d like to add? Where do you see this program going in the next six months and next year?

brown: I think the next phase of the program is to continue to connect with the community. A big part of what I want to do is develop direct relationships with community organizations so that we can continue to have a warm handover to individuals. I would like to know exactly what you are looking for. You know, it’s easy to give them a piece of paper. Tell them to fill this out. But that’s not what we want to do.

We want it to be personal and we want them to know that we personally care. That’s where we move forward and hopefully we look forward to growing more staff.

Brittney Brown is the Program Coordinator for Atrium Health’s Violent Intervention Program.