Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - VCU's "Bridging the Gap" program was among six recipients of a $5 million grant that will help support Virginia's hospital-based community violence intervention programs.
The program serves youth and adults who have been admitted to VCU Medical Center for intentional injuries such as gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and assaults. The ultimate goal of the program is to reduce the rate of re-injury and subsequent health care demands and associated costs.
"The hub of the trauma center must bridge the gap between what it's seeing and what's happening in the community," says Dr. Michael Aboutanos, Chief of Trauma at VCU Medical. "We decided to change the paradigm."
Of the $5 million grant sum, VCU's program received $1.3 million. University officials say the money will help address staffing needs, as well as pay for some of the needs of those hospitalized.
"These funds are really essential to helping patients get back on their feet after hospitalization," says Sarah Bradley, Associate Director for the Injury and Violence Center at VCU.
