A Public Health Approach to Addressing Gun Violence

Gun violence is surging nationally, including in many of the communities served by Atrium Health. In 2022, motivated by a desire to prevent hospital readmissions due to repeated gun violence and to address social determinants of health that contribute to the problem, Atrium Health launched a hospital-based violence intervention program. The program, implemented in partnership with the City of Charlotte and based at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, is designed to assess the needs of patients admitted to the hospital with firearm injuries and connect them with community resources that can help them implement productive solutions to their life challenges.

This report reviews the short- and long-term effects of gun violence on the physical and mental health of patients, physicians and caregivers, as well as the financial impact on both patients and health systems. It describes the development and implementation of the violence intervention program at Atrium Health and expected long-term results based on national trends.