Violence Prevention

Aligning members of the community with Eskenazi Health surgeons to reduce violence through education and support, Eskenazi Health Prescription for Hope is an initiative geared toward Marion County residents who have been involved in violent personal injury or criminal behaviors and are at an increased risk for recurrence.

Eskenazi Health patients who are recovering from gunshot wounds, stabbings or other assaults are encouraged to enroll in this program before leaving the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital. Goals of the program include:

• Reduce recidivism of violence-related injury and readmission
• Reduce repeated criminal activity and arrest
• Develop effective life skills for responsible citizenship behavior
• Provide community education and information on violence and crime prevention to create safer homes and neighborhoods
• Create a network of community agencies and programs to serve as partners to provide accessible services for assistance and personal development

A men’s group focusing on necessary life skills for healthy adult male development and effective communication, Eskenazi Health Soaring High’s curriculum features an anger management course focusing on respectful relationships with women, basic social skills and group interaction. Adult males join the group at various times so they can relate to and learn from strong male role models while developing camaraderie with one another. Men in the group receive permission to communicate outside of the group with an Eskenazi Health Prescription for Hope support specialist and group facilitator if issues arise and they choose to seek assistance.

EKG is a youth education program that teaches students about the legal, medical and emotional implications of youth gun possession and related gun violence. Created in partnership with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and other local agencies including the Smith Level I Shock Trauma Center at Eskenazi Health, the program teaches youths to make the right decisions when faced with situations involving guns.

Project LIFE is a three-session, nine-hour intensive program designed to help educate youths and their families about the consequences arising from acts of violence. Offered by the Marion Superior Courts – Juvenile Division in conjunction with the Marion County Public Health Department, the Smith Level I Shock Trauma Center, Prescription for Hope and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, the sessions address youth violence through its medical and legal implications.

As participants in the program, youths and their families hear from guest speakers who have had their lives irrevocably changed by the tragedy of violence. Through watching and analyzing violent incident simulations and discussions with medical professionals and prosecutors, participants learn how to communicate effectively and resolve conflict without turning to weapons. In addition, participants review any factors in their lives that might promote violence and criminal activity and learn of other factors and decisions that may serve as buffers.

To be eligible for participation in Project LIFE, youths must be between the ages of 12 and 17. The Juvenile Division of the Marion Superior Courts refers youths with a history of battery, weapons violence and repeated problems with violence. Attendance by a parent or guardian is required, and participants will have an opportunity to discuss the incident that resulted in their participation in the program and the steps they can take to promote individual and family change.