Bridging the Gap is a new, combined hospital-community youth violence prevention program designed to reduce the risk of re-injury of Richmond area youths, ages 10-24, who have been hospitalized with violence related injuries including gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and assault injuries. While inpatient, youths receive a six-step psycho-educational intervention to help them consider non-violent strategies for conflict resolution, develop safety plans, and make constructive life choices. Post discharge, the case manager provides intensive youth and family case management services for six months in partnership with community organizations in order to offer families the support needed to break the cycle of violence.

Currently, 38 youths have participated in this program and 12 recently completed the full six month program. In addition to supporting and facilitating appropriate follow up health care post-discharge, Bridging the Gap has assisted youths and their families to find housing, enroll in educational and vocational programs, and access mental health services.

This program works very closely with a variety of community organizations including GRIP, Richmond Midnight Basketball League, ChildSavers, Flagler Community Services program as well as many others.

Currently a pilot study, Bridging the Gap continues to develop with the support of hospital staff and a expanding list of community partners.

For more information or to volunteer, contact:

Anne Jordan, MSW
Violence Prevention Coordinator
827-0708 (via Erin Krevonick)