Oral

Public health researchers and practitioners have long struggled with a prime public health issue confronting our diverse communities: violence. Because the risk for violence recidivism for those violently-injured remains high, it is important for our communities that a safety net is built for those most vulnerable. This year’s APHA theme, Healthy Communities Promote Healthy Minds and Bodies, advocates that we address the violence in our communities. The National Network on Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs has been collaborating to promote a transdisciplinary response that is community-based to address the needs of those community members who are injured, mentally and physically, by violence. Starting with violence-intervention programs that serve patients in hospital emergency departments and moving into community-wide partnerships, the network has bolstered the work of individual programs throughout the United States. Disciplines involved include epidemiology, medicine, nursing, social work, mental health specialists, community advocates, criminal justice and youth mentors. During this special session, we present a panel of experts who will discuss the formation, challenges and successes, and diverse program models that address violence in our communities.

Session Objectives: To discuss the fomation of a national network to address violence To identify challenges and successes for this network To describe transdisciplinary practice and policy solutions by examining diverse program models that address violence in various communities

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)