Background:
Project Peace is an initiative based in the LFUCG Mayor’s Office intended to reduce the incidence of firearm injury and the impact of firearm violence by providing support for victims and families who are vulnerable to injury. Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) have been used throughout the United States with great success. Program constructs vary but often involve an assessment by hospital trauma team members and referral to the program followed by case workers in the community engaging and providing a broad menu of support options.
Eligibility:
Gunshot wound victims ages 12 – 29 (primarily, though anyone in need may be referred)
Patients of UK Hospital who live in Fayette County
Process:
1. Social Worker (or trauma providers is being discharged from ED) will meet with patient and family at bedside to conduct Initial Assessment. Goal is within 24 hours as scheduling and neurologic status allow. If the patient is to be discharged before SW can see them, the Trauma Attending will make the approach.
2. After assessment information obtained, SW will ask about circumstances regarding admission (safety concerns, high risk behaviors, safe discharge planning.
3. Social Worker will continue to check in with patient and family on a consistent basis to discuss discharge needs and plans.
· SW: Explain Project Peace's initiative to patient. The Project Peace is a program that connects a street outreach worker (SOW) to patients involved in gun-related violent crimes to point them to resources for their safety and success. A SOW is an individual whose lived experiences may give them a greater insight into what the patient is going through.
· SW will go over the SOW bios with patient. SW will then ask patient if they would consent to their name and phone being provided to Project Peace for purposes of pairing them with SOW.
· SW will explain that being connected to a SOW is free, that they are not connected to law enforcement and that SOW are someone who they can talk to about resources and opportunities they may need post discharge.
· If the patient does not provide consent. Brochure and community resources will be left with patient, should they choose to make contact post-discharge.
*Word for word script not appropriate as each patient situation will vary.*
Process for Referrals:
Step 1: Hospital receives patient verbal consent, documents in medical record.
Step 2: Case manager notifies Project Peace.
Step 3: Project Peace will reply once message is received to close referral loop on
hospital end.
Step 4: Project Peace will work with Street Outreach Workers to make contact.
November 11, 2020 (A Bernard/L Hatfield/S Priest); Revised: Alexis Nickols/C Reynolds/A Bernard/Julius Johnson 12-17-23
