CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There’s work being done throughout the Carolinas to prevent violence. It’s not just organizations or city leaders; hospitals are joining the fight to help prevent the issue from impacting more families.
Novant Health has launched its violence intervention specialist program. It's similar to programs implemented at hospitals across the state, including Atrium Health.
Damion Lewis is an intervention team member at Novant Health in Charlotte.
“We have to do something to break the cycle of violence," Lewis told WCNC Charlotte's Myles Harris.
His team is focused on curbing the violence. Their job includes daily follow-ups with patients once admitted to ensure they have access to the proper care and information they need for a successful recovery.
“We’re not only giving them the ability to heal and have a better understanding of the new way of life but also providing the resources in the community that they can continue with,” Lewis said.
Since the program began in late November, the team has worked with over 100 patients.
Now they're hopeful to prevent more families from the pain surrounding violence.
“Just to help a person, for example, that was in the streets committing crimes that might have had a violent injury due to their way of life ... just them finding a job and housing after their injuries is also a set story in my eyes," Lewis said.
The state will fund the program for at least two years before it is up for renewal.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.