Gun Safety is important to keep you, your family and your community safe and healthy. Most gun deaths and injuries could be prevented by working to improve firearm handling, having a safe place to store your gun and keeping guns away from those at risk of hurting themselves or others. Download our brochure on Gun Safety which includes tips for storing and handling guns safely.
FORESIGHT Violence Intervention Program
“Where you live can be a determining factor for many victims of violence,” says Angela Parker, team coordinator of the Foresight Violence Intervention Program at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. “We work with people to change their circumstances and redirect their lives into a healthier and safer place.” The Foresight team tries to meet with every survivor of violence in the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital trauma program. It can be in the ER, a patient room or the patient’s home after discharge.
“We want to expand the window of opportunity for people to use our services after discharge,” Parker adds. “Building trust and rapport is vital for the Foresight program to succeed. That happens one conversation at a time, and we will talk as often as it takes.” Parker notes that change demands hard work and time and realistic expectations.
"We partner with patients and families to create opportunities for change," Parker adds. “We want to be with them through the initial recovery phase, then help them learn to live beyond the moment.”
The FORESIGHT Team provides health services and home support to patients 15 to 40 years old, who are injured due to violence, including:
- Gun Violence
- Stabbings
- Physical Assaults
Coordinated services are provided to patients, families, and community members. They include, but are not limited to:
Resources, Referrals, and Advocacy for:
- Crisis Intervention
- Mental Health
- Employment and Job Training
- Education, GEDs and Trade Schools
- Food Pantries & Clothing Closets
Monthly virtual Trauma Support Group
- Assistance with applying for medical insurance or Medicaid.
- Assistance with finding a Primary Care Physician (PCP).
- Assistance with obtaining a State ID, Birth Certificate and Social Security Card.
- Assistance with completing paperwork for various appointments.
- Assistance with applying to the Virginia Victims Fund
- Assistance with transportation for medical and other appointments and community events.
The team provides education on the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH): SDoH are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age in, that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. The 5 Domains are:
- Economic Stability – Secure Employment with a livable wage/salary.
- Education – Safe schools and increased access to education opportunities.
- Health & Access to Quality Healthcare – Medical services and transportation.
- Environment – Safer neighborhoods & healthy surroundings.
- Social – Improving connections to community, family, and network of supports.
Parker also hopes to recruit survivors of gun violence to share their experiences in schools and churches and with community groups to help change the social dynamic that breeds violence.
“This won’t change tomorrow,” Parker concludes. “People need to trust that we are here for the long haul.”
For more information or assistance, you may call (757) 388-5234 to speak to a member of our hospital-based violence intervention team. You may also find more information and attend the Foresight Online Support Group.