The Institute for Public Health at Washington University launched the Life Outside of Violence (LOV) program in early 2018. LOV 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.)
What is the Life Outside of Violence (LOV) program?
Life Outside of Violence (LOV) 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.
The idea behind LOV is to help decrease incidences of retaliation, criminal involvement, re-injury, and death.
This free program is provided to the Institute for Public Health at Washington University through a three-year, $1.6 million dollar grant from Missouri Foundation for Health and additional funding from anonymous donors.
Who is eligible?
St. Louis City and County residents, ages 8 to 24, who are injured by gunshot, stabbing or blunt trauma (e.g. assault, fight) and who have been seen at a participating hospital are eligible to enroll in the LOV program.
How does the program work?
Participants are seen by a physician at a participating hospital (Barnes-Jewish Hospital, SSM St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.)
Following treatment, a trained case manager works with each participant and his/her family for six months up to one year. (Six months is optimal.)
For up to one year, participants work with their case manager to develop and maintain a plan to stay safe, connect to community resources, and to receive treatment, support and guidance.
Contact us at 314-327-6697 or email ProjectLOV@WUSTL.edu.