Injuries/Violence
Bridging the Gap: Referral Responsiveness Across Support Domains in a Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program in Arkansas Mofan GU* Mofan Gu Gu Gu Gu Gu Gu Gu Gu Gu Gu Gu Gu University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Background/Purpose
Survivors of firearm injury often face a complex web of unmet needs that extend beyond medical care, including housing instability, unemployment, and legal challenges. Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) aim to address these social determinants of health through trauma-informed care and connection to community services. Yet, few studies have assessed how well HVIPs identify and act on these needs through formal referral mechanisms. This study evaluates the responsiveness of one HVIP in linking participants to services based on reported needs across multiple life domains.
Methods/Approach
We analyzed data from Project HEAL, Arkansas’ first HVIP. At enrollment, participants completed a structured needs assessment spanning ten support domains (e.g., mental health, housing, legal, employment, transportation). Staff encounters were logged throughout the year and categorized by service type. We calculated the number of individuals reporting each need at baseline and the number of unique individuals who received a referral in each corresponding domain. Referral timing was also examined.
Results/Outcome
Mental health was the most frequently reported need (n=55), and 67% of these individuals received a referral—84% of which occurred within the first 3 months. Living support needs were addressed at the highest rate, with 87% of the 30 individuals receiving referrals, primarily early in follow-up. Referrals for legal assistance (80% of 30) were also highly responsive. While smaller in volume, financial education needs (n=7) were met with referrals for 57%. In contrast, healthcare (36%), employment (35%), and education (33%) referrals reached fewer of those who initially reported need. These patterns reflect strong early engagement in core domains and highlight opportunities to enhance linkage in others.
Conclusions/Implications
Project HEAL successfully translated participant-identified needs into timely referrals across multiple life domains. Mental health, legal, and living support showed high alignment between reported needs and service linkage, particularly within the first three months—demonstrating strong case management capacity and early participant engagement. In contrast, lower referral rates for employment, financial education, and healthcare support may reflect persistent, complex needs that are more difficult to address through a single referral event. These domains often require longer-term coordination, workforce opportunities, or systemic resources not always readily accessible. Findings highlight both the strengths and limitations of HVIP-based referrals and underscore the importance of sustained support, flexible service models, and community partnerships to meet evolving participant needs.