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Aims and background: Intentional violence is a public health crisis requiring an urgent and innovative response. Prior to 2019, there was only one hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP) in Virginia. The rise in gun violence in recent years underscored the urgent need to expand beyond a one-center approach into a regional approach to violence through a network of HVIPs. This study notes the early feasibility and implementation of the regionalization of HVIPs across competing health systems. Materials and methods: In collaboration with several partners, an evidence-based HVIP program led a technical assistance center (TAC) and conducted site visits across nine facilities in three health systems. This was followed by a systematic, combined, regional-based approach to HVIP development. Data from each facility were collected prospectively, with point-of-care feedback given during site visits and weekly coaching sessions.

Results: Between July 2019 and June 2021, program development support from TAC included six collective seminars, 151 coaching sessions, and 67 weekly meetings with program faculty and stakeholders. HVIPs were established in nine facilities during this time, and 2,259 patients were enrolled. Over half of patients were African American (64%) and between the ages 18 and 59 (77%). Around 60 and 17% were secondary to assault and domestic violence (DV), respectively. The most common services used were information and referrals (100%) and emotional support and/or safety planning (72%).

Conclusion and clinical significance: The use of a well-established HVIP as a TAC could serve as an effective …