One link in the Chain: Project HEAL as a hospital-based violence intervention program within a fragmented ecology of care Authorship

Background: Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) aim to disrupt cycles of violence by providing trauma-informed, client-centered care to survivors of violent injury. Project HEAL, a HVIP established in 2021 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, offers case management, mental health support, and connections to legal, housing, and employment resources for individuals impacted by violence in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. Methods: This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of Project HEAL clients (N = 9). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis by a team of three coders. The coding process was iterative, with oversight from senior researchers to ensure analytic rigor. Results: Participants described Project HEAL as effective in reducing barriers to care and providing personalized, compassionate case management. The program was valued for its role in supporting mental health and fostering empowerment. However, clients also identified persistent unmet needs, particularly in areas such as youth opportunities, housing, employment, and social services—needs that extend beyond the program’s reach. The findings highlight Project HEAL’s essential but partial role within a fragmented ecosystem shaped by structural inequities. Conclusion: Project HEAL demonstrates the strengths and limitations of HVIPs in addressing the complex needs of survivors of community violence. While the program effectively reduces immediate barriers and fosters supportive relationships, broader systemic challenges persist. These results underscore the need for a sustained coordinated community response and policy advocacy to address structural barriers that HVIPs alone cannot overcome.