A local violence intervention program has received a $45,500 grant to continue its work.
Out of the Crossfire (OOTC) recently received the grant from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. One of only nine hospital-based programs in the nation, OOTC offers case management and rehabilitation services to more than 1,200 victims of violent injuries at the University of Cincinnati Hospital since its inception in 2006.—-
The program, which focuses on the victims of gunshot wounds and other violent behavior, was based on a similar program used in Baltimore and recently profiled on NPR's All Things Considered.
OOTC currently is headed by Dr. Jennifer Williams.
The grant will be used to add two full-time intervention specialists whose job is to go to the patients’ bedside and offer them hope through alternatives to retaliation and high-risk behaviors as they enter the voluntary program.
Their job responsibilities include mentoring and counseling clients to address the mental, physical, economic, spiritual, and emotional trauma that accompanies violent injuries.
Also, the specialists will connect clients with other social service providers and provide comprehensive case management during their hospitalization and ongoing recovery following discharge.
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation makes grants and provides leadership in six areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment, health, and human services. It serves an eight-county area in the Tri-State.
