Indy Peace and IU Health launch program to combat gun violence

Indy Peace and IU Health Methodist Hospital announced Indiana’s first Hospital-Linked Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) to support gun violence victims and reduce future violence in the state. “Every day our teams witness the impact gun violence has on individuals and their families, and every day we see patients and loved ones trying their hardest to rebuild their lives,” said Michele Saysana, chief medical officer for IU Health Methodist and University hospitals. The HVIP is the first of its kind in Indiana. Mayor Joe Hogsett expressed his gratitude towards the health care workers involved for helping to reduce the increased risk of re-injury that many gun violence victims face, citing a 32% reduction in criminal homicides from 2021 to 2023. “Indianapolis is proud to be one of the first cities to implement (the program) fully,” Hogsett said. The process works like this: A person who lives in Marion County comes into the emergency department with a gunshot wound. The wound is diagnosed as not self-inflicted. Nurse navigators see them and gain consent to see a life coach and speak with a therapist. The therapist assesses the needs of the patient and connects them with resources. While there are similar programs throughout...