Lt. Gov. Austin Davis announces nearly $3 million for violence intervention programs

The Shapiro-Davis Administration has announced a nearly $3 million investment to enhance hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs).

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These programs assist violently injured patients at a critical time during their hospital stay and continue to support them after they are discharged.Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined state and local leaders at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center to recognize the organizations that receive funding approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Davis leads the PCCD, which secured a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Justice in 2024 to expand HVIPs across Pennsylvania.

"Every Pennsylvanian—whether you live in West Philadelphia or Westmoreland County—deserves to feel safe and secure in their community," Davis stated. "As the federal government steps back from supporting violence prevention efforts, we are increasing our investments at the state level. Addressing the epidemic of gun violence is a top priority, and we will continue to strive for safer communities throughout Pennsylvania."

The following organizations will receive funding to expand existing HVIPs or to launch new ones:

Penn Trauma - $736,372 to expand the Penn Trauma Violence Recovery Program at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center;

Temple University Hospital - $875,000 to launch the Wellness and Recovery through Advocacy and Patient Support (WRAPS) Initiative, which will enhance support for patients with spinal cord injuries;