More than $1 million in federal funding is coming to Bergen County to expand a hospital-based program designed to help victims of domestic and community violence. The funding will support services that begin while victims are receiving medical care and continue after they leave the hospital, with the broader goal of preventing repeat violence.
HACKENSACK, NJ — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced more than $1 million in federal funding to expand Hackensack University Medical Center’s Community Health Worker Violence Intervention Program.
The announcement followed an August 10 roundtable at Bergen’s Promise in Hackensack, where Gottheimer met with representatives from Hackensack Meridian Health, law enforcement, local government and community organizations to discuss violence prevention efforts across North Jersey.
Support Beginning at the Hospital
The program uses a hospital-based approach to reach people who have experienced domestic or community violence and may be at risk of being injured again.
Instead of limiting assistance to immediate medical treatment, trained professionals can connect patients with services while they are still in the hospital or emergency department. Support can then continue after discharge through community-based case management and other resources.
According to Gottheimer’s office, the federal funding will help expand the program and its services for victims and their families. The money is expected to support trained professionals as well as technology, supplies and transportation assistance.
The initiative is intended not only to help victims recover but also to address circumstances that can contribute to repeated violence.
Hackensack Meridian Health described community violence as both a public safety and public health issue, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed support and intervention before violence occurs again.
The expanded program will serve victims and families in Bergen County and the broader North Jersey community.
Sources
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer — Official Release