AHA guide offers hospital-based model for violence prevention

A new AHA guide offers hospital leaders a model for hospital-based violence intervention that can be tailored to each community's unique needs. “As the location where many victims of violence seek medical treatment, hospitals and health care systems are uniquely positioned to address violence prevention,” the report notes. “There is ample evidence that shows hospital-based violence intervention programs reduce violence, save lives and decrease health care costs. This guide offers a model and examples of hospital-based violence intervention approaches that can be tailored to address the distinctive needs of each community.” The document was produced by AHA’s Association for Community Health Improvement and Hospitals in Pursuit of Excellence initiative.