From Gunshots to Galleries: Wraparound Violence Prevention Program Helps Victims Restart their Lives
Like all hospital case managers, Mike Texada works very closely with his clients. That’s why his office at Zuckerman San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG) is right behind the hospital’s emergency room. Texada is a case manager for the Wraparound Project, a violence intervention program based at the hospital. The beeper of the caseworker on duty goes off when someone who has been violently assaulted comes into the ER.
“Victims of violence, if they survive, are at increased risk of becoming victims again,” said Texada. “So, we try to turn their hospital stay into a ‘teachable moment’ as soon as possible to let them know that we’re here for them.”
Hospital stays for victims can run hours to months but during that time the caseworkers—who often come from the same neighborhoods as their clients—listen, talk and link them to counselling, job and school prospects, financial assistance, housing and even painting lessons to help build confidence.