The Life Outside of Violence Program (LOV), an intervention program that helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence, and one of its case managers, Melik Coffey, are the subjects of an article in SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation Magazine.
Launched in 2018 by the Institute for Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, Life Outside of Violence is the first hospital-based intervention program (HVIP) in the nation to incorporate three research universities (Washington University, Saint Louis University and University of Missouri-St. Louis) and four hospitals (Barnes-Jewish Hospital, SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.)
The article outlines the program, how first doctors then mentors work with victims of violent crime and introduces readers to one LOV program participant who is making strides to rise above the impact of violence. Mentor, Melik Coffey says, “…the ideal is to create a full continuum of resources that includes prevention, intervention and community-based support for the long haul. It can be done if we break this cycle.”
Read the article titled, “The Time is Now: Addressing the Impact of Gun Violence“.