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If you’ve already seen our brochure, the information below will feel familiar. Additional content has been added for this online version, but if you prefer the brochure format, you can click here or visit the URL provided. (WIP: add link)

This page is about a 5‑minute read, with optional additional reading that is longer and more in‑depth. Some of the linked resources are written for healthcare professionals, but the majority are accessible to general readers especially with some help from ecosia.org (or google).

If you are a VIPPS patient or a Harborview healthcare professional, please note that the VIPPS team has a small program library. We have books available for patients to keep, as well as materials that can be checked out. To learn more, please visit our blog post about the VIPP Program Library at https://depts.washington.edu/vipp/2026/01/03/vipps-reads-inside-our-program-bookshelves/.

Bridging Care and Community for Survivors of Gun Violence

Gun violence leaves deep physical and emotional impacts, not only on individuals, but also on families and communities. At Harborview Medical Center, we understand that healing after a gunshot injury requires more than medical care. It requires support, connection, advocacy, and a team that understands trauma on every level.

Harborview’s Violence Intervention & Prevention Program (VIPP) is dedicated to bridging the gap between healthcare and community resources—walking alongside patients and their supporters as they navigate recovery.

Why Harborview?

Harborview Medical Center is Washington’s only Level I Trauma Center, providing essential trauma services across Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. As the region’s premier destination for complex trauma care, Harborview is equipped with:

24/7 emergency and surgical response teams
Orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and trauma specialists
Comprehensive care from injury prevention to long-term rehabilitation
A multidisciplinary team with expertise across 30+ specialty areas

Harborview is also home to a nationally recognized medical residency program and contributes to the advancement of trauma medicine through ongoing research.

Learn More About Harborview & Trauma Services

Site Tour Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jm5iSWnrlI
Trauma Services Fact Sheet (.pdf):
https://www.uwmedicine.org/sites/stevie/files/2018-11/Provider-Resources-Trauma-HMC-Trauma-Services-Fact-Sheet-new2.pdf
History of Harborview & WA State Trauma System (NIH):
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5877906/

About Our Violence Intervention & Prevention Program

Gun‑related injuries carry a heavy emotional, physical, and psychological load. As a Hospital‑Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP), our mission is to support victims, families, and communities through compassionate, culturally responsive, trauma‑informed care.

Our Team Provides:

Medical advocacy and follow‑up
Crime Victim’s Compensation application support
Victim assistance
Peer support
Emotional support for traumatic stress
Utility payment assistance

We Also Offer Referrals For:

Trauma‑focused therapy
Housing resources
Legal advocacy
Worker retraining
Life‑skills training
Substance‑use support

Our care does not end at discharge. We continue to support patients through hospital follow‑up appointments and clinic visits related to their injuries.

Learn More About HVIPs

The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (The HAVI)

The HAVI is the leading national organization supporting HVIPs across the country.

Main website: https://www.thehavi.org/
What is an HVIP?: https://www.thehavi.org/what-is-an-hvip

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund

Provides a clear explanation of HVIPs, their purpose, and evidence of their effectiveness.

Fact Sheet: https://everytownresearch.org/report/hospital-based-violence-intervention-programs-a-guide-to-implementation-and-costing/

EveryShot (Everytown Research)

A real‑time, AI‑powered tool that tracks gun violence incidents across the U.S.

EveryShot Map: https://everytownresearch.org/labs/everyshot

(Note: EveryShot can be slow on older devices or slow internet connections. Desktop, laptop or tablet recommended.)

AskEverytown (Beta)

An AI‑powered tool answering questions about gun violence data, policies, and research.

Connection to the Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center (HATC)

We work closely with the Harborview Abuse & Trauma Center, which offers flexible, accessible trauma therapy for patients and their loved ones. The therapy options include brief trauma treatment, full trauma informed therapy, in-persons sessions and remote ones!

To learn more about HAT-C https://depts.washington.edu/uwhatc/ and/or contact them Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Most of their services are free for Seattle residences.

For non-Seattle residences or just additional support, Washington residents can access 30,000+ resources by dialing 211 or texting 211WAOD.

Understanding the Impact of Gun Violence

Healing after a gun injury is not purely physical. Survivors frequently face emotional, social, and practical challenges, including:

Misunderstanding the Severity
Underestimating the long-term impact of their injury.
Confusion & Anxiety
Hospitalization can feel overwhelming or frightening.
Trust Barriers
Past experiences may affect comfort with medical staff.
Financial Concerns
Stress about bills, job security, and returning to work.
Fear of the Future
Worries about long‑term health or safety.
Hesitancy to Seek Help
Accepting help can feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Trying to Manage Alone
Some cope independently, sometimes in unsafe ways.
Emotional & Physical Strain
Anxiety, pain, and mobility challenges complicate recovery.

These reactions are normal, human responses to trauma. They underscore the importance of supportive, community‑connected care. We are here to help survivors navigate all dimensions of healing, emotional, medical, and practical. This is in part why our team is committed to bridging hospital care with community support, reducing barriers, and uplifting the resilience of those impacted by gun violence.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in connecting with the Violence Intervention & Prevention Program, please use the Contact Us tab at the top of this page.

Get To Know Your Local HVIP! (and learn what an HVIP is!)