Fund violence intervention programs

Gun violence is a major public health challenge in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 45,000 firearm-related deaths in the U.S. in 2020. Suicides accounted for a majority of all firearm-related deaths, while homicides accounted for over 40 percent. Gun violence also disproportionately impacts Black, American Indian, and Latino populations.[1]

Community-based violence intervention programs attempt to prevent gun violence by targeting those at high risk of being involved. Some of the main program models include GVI programs, HVIPs, and street outreach. GVI programs have individuals at risk for violence meet with community members, social service organizations, and law enforcement to educate them about the consequences of gun violence while also offering social services. HVIPs intervene with patients while they are still in the hospital to minimize the possibility of retribution while also offering individuals social services similar to those in GVI programs. Street outreach programs utilize outreach workers within the community to proactively prevent gun violence through conflict mediation.[2]

The RISE from Trauma Act would support these programs by providing $600 million in funding through a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant program for community-based organizations involved with trauma intervention. The Act would also create another HHS grant program to fund hospital-based trauma interventions such as HVIPs.[3]