AtlantiCare begins Violence Intervention Program

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) has implemented its Violence Intervention Program. ARMC’s Regional Trauma Center and Behavioral Health teams are collaborating on the program for those ages 13-40 who are hospitalized as a result of suffering community-based personal injuries.

Also known as interpersonal violence, these including shootings, stabbings and other traumatic injuries. AtlantiCare is one of nine hospitals in the state that received a $2 million Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant to address risk factors victims face by providing clinical and support services.

The goal of the program is to break the cycle of violence among victims of community-based personal injuries.

“Being the victim of violence increases an individual’s risk of engaging in violence behaviors against others,” says James Eakins, M.D., Trauma Program medical director, AtlantiCare.

“Caring for patients includes addressing the physical and emotional injuries they have. This is especially true when it comes to victims of interpersonal violence. We have seen the immediate and sustained impact of this type of violence on individuals. Our goal is to engage patients in getting the critical follow-up care and assistance they need and deserve. It is important to have these conversations while the patient is hospitalized as part of our care plan.”

“Victims of interpersonal violence can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or other emotional health issues, says Julie Drew, system executive director, Behavioral Health, AtlantiCare.

“They might need safe, secure housing, help finding employment, or assistance reaching their educational goals. Through this program we link individuals with the appropriate healthcare and community programs and services to address their unique needs. AtlantiCare representatives stay in touch with victims as they connect them with programs and services within and outside AtlantiCare.”

Services the team provides include:

Case Management

Counseling

Educational Services

Emergency Housing

Emotional Wellness Help

Financial Assistance

Follow-up Medical Care and Referrals

Legal Services

Social Services

Transportation

Vocational Services

For more information about AtlantiCare visit www.atlanticare.org or find AtlantiCare on Facebook.

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AtlantiCare is an integrated healthcare system based in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, whose more than 6,000 staff, providers and volunteers serve the community in more than 100 locations in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May and Ocean counties of southern New Jersey. Its vision of building healthy communities together drives its mission of making a difference in health and healing, one person at a time, through caring and trusting relationships. A Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award winner, AtlantiCare was also included in Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work. AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center was the 105th hospital in the nation to attain the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet™ designation in 2004 and earned redesignation in 2008, 2013, in 2018. Learn more at atlanticare.org or 1-888-569-1000.