Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP)

Overview

University Hospital’s Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) works with community partners, as ONE, to decrease victimization in our community. Being a victim of crime increases a person’s chance of becoming a victim again.

University Hospital is home to New Jersey’s busiest Level 1 Trauma Center and the Hospital’s HVIP serves patients at University Hospital who have suffered an injury due to a violent crime, such as gunshot wounds, stabbings, and assaults.

In collaboration with Newark Community Street Team (NCST), Newark Community Solutions (NCS), and City of Newark-Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR), HVIP provides care coordination services to survivors of interpersonal violence.

The program started accepting patients.

 

Focus Areas

University Hospital’s Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP) supports individuals affected by community violence that occurs outside the home. As a result, the program:

• Reduces the risk of victims of crime becoming a repeat victim.
• Provides support to promote a healthy perspective and outlook on life.
• Assists individuals with access to health and social services.
• Improves the overall physical and mental health of our community.
• Empowers patients with peer mentoring.
• Guides patients on a path to successful recovery.

 

Services

The University Hospital-based HVIP team works to provide peer mentorship and active referrals for:

• Medical Care
• Workforce Development
• Higher learning
• Legal Assistance
• Housing Programs
• Family Support
• Mental Health Services
• Psychosocial Support
• Community Based Organizations Other Social Services

HVIP staff also assist participants with filing NJ Victim of Crime Compensation Office Applications, Individual Case Support, and Legal Advocacy.

 

Meet the Team

Michael Ordonez
Program Manager

Najlaa Shareef
Manager, NCST

Steven Bethea
Community Health Worker

Crystal McCain
Community Health Worker

Hermera Blanks
Community Health Worker

Curtis Langley
Community Health Worker

Diego Velecela Vizhnay
Community Health Worker

Ikea Vandross
Social Worker 1