This is the final installment in our four-part series on gun violence prevention in Philadelphia. The series was created to recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Month, which promotes education and action to end gun violence. Part one, Stopping gun violence in Philadelphia, was published on June 6. Part two, The public health approach to gun violence prevention, was published on June 13. Part three, Safer, cleaner, greener spaces: how city planning helps reduce violence, was published on June 20.

Partners help create safe environments

The health department’s Injury Prevention Program partners with other agencies and community organizations to create a safe environment for everyone in Philadelphia. We work to:

Support an evidence-based approach to violence reduction.

Promote the safe storage of firearms, especially around children and youth.

Promote opportunities for youth that minimize exposure to violence and promote safety.

Partner with community leaders, law enforcement, and academic institutions to study what works in reducing gun violence.

Monitor and study injuries throughout the city to modify prevention efforts with real-time information.

Monitor and study the factors that contribute to violence and injury.

We do this work through collective, city-wide violence prevention efforts. Our community partnerships for violence prevention include the Youth Health Corps, the Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Collaborative, and the Community Violence Intervention Coalition.

Youth Health Corps

The Youth Health Corps (YHC) supports youth-led projects that work to prevent violence, promote food justice, and create livable communities. We partner with three organizations on unique projects:

Each program works to employ young people who have experienced public health issues, such as community violence or access to food. These young people then work to address public health issues in their own communities. Through this, youth leaders are able to deepen their understanding of the social factors that impact neighborhood health and safety. Their projects include safe gun storage distribution programs and evaluation, conflict resolution training, peer leadership programs, and professional development for people 14 to 26 years of age who have been impacted by violence.

Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs Collaborative

Our Injury Prevention Program leads a Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) Collaborative. HVIPs are hospital programs that provide trauma-informed care to survivors of violence. HVIPs provide resources and supportive services to survivors as they recover. By doing this, they work to break cycles of violence and stop repeat injuries. HVIP care goes beyond the healthcare setting as patients are connected with housing assistance, mental health support, trauma support, and more.

The HVIP Collaborative focuses on improving care, engagement, and support services for survivors of gun violence. It also helps develop the practices and future directions of HVIPs in Philadelphia. All Level 1 Trauma Centers in Philadelphia participate, along with hospitals in the greater Philadelphia area. Many HVIPs are located in Philadelphia and include:

Einstein Trauma Intervention Program (TIP)

Temple Trauma Victim Advocacy Program (TVAP)

Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania Violence Intervention Program (CHOP VIP)

Drexel’s Healing Hurt People at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

The Penn Trauma Violence Intervention Program (PTVRP)

Cure Violence Philadelphia

The Community Violence Intervention Coalition

The Injury Prevention Program leads a coalition of Philadelphia’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs. CVIs focus on preventing and breaking cycles of violence. They employ people who are trusted and familiar with violence in their neighborhoods, and take on people at risk for violence. The coalition’s programs use a public health approach to gun violence prevention. CVIs also often address issues resulting from racism, unjust laws, and community suffering.

The Philadelphia CVI Coalition members include:

Philadelphia’s Injury Prevention Program is focused on reducing and preventing violence so that we can create and maintain a safe environment. When we partner with other City agencies, community organizations, and academic centers, we strengthen our violence interventions and prevention programs, working together to protect all Philadelphians.