INDIANAPOLIS — A new effort aimed at reducing gun violence in Indianapolis is making strides.
It involves a different kind of intervention, linking city resources with a local hospital.
The program is called the Indy Peace Hospital-Linked Violence Intervention Program (HVIP), which helps to reduce future violence by providing support to gunshot victims being treated at IU Health Methodist Hospital.
"Offering this level of support gives victims of gun violence and their families the opportunity for a brighter, safer tomorrow," said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.
Indy Peace is a partnership between the Indy Public Safety Foundation and the Office of Public Health and Safety, developed as part of Hogsett’s Violence Reduction Strategy.
Here's how it will work:
When a shooting victim is treated at the hospital, they are greeted by a nurse navigator. Once a patient agrees to speak with a life coach and a therapist, they are provided with mental health services and other resources before they leave the hospital. They're also referred to the Indy Peace fellowship program for long-term support.
The program is currently staffed by three nurse navigators and three life coaches.
Hogsett said Indianapolis is one of the first cities to implement a program like this.
"When somebody's a victim of gun violence they need support immediately, not only physically, but they also need emotional support. they need resources. they need help in their journey of healing from that," said Dane Nutty, president and CEO of Public Safety Foundation.
Nutty said that helps them create trust with a patient in hopes of building long-term relationships.
The program began in April and has reportedly referred 27 gun violence victims to the HVIP program.
Six patients enrolled in the Indy Peace Fellowship. Two accessed therapy.
HVIP is funded through the City of Indianapolis and IU Health Foundation, which received an Elevation Grant totaling $249,381.
A similar program at Eskenazi has seen great results. The hospital reported that before their program, 35% of gunshot victims had another violent injury within two years. After the program, that number was just 5%.