OAA PRograms
VIP²
Violence Intervention & Prevention Partners
A hospital-linked violence intervention program embedded in both the Emergency Department and Trauma Unit at UAB Hospital — connecting gun violence survivors with immediate crisis support, starting at the bedside and continuing through recovery for up to one year.
Offender Alumni Association
UAB Hospital
City of Birmingham
Jefferson County Department of Health
Outcomes & Impact — February 2023 – December 2025
Survivors Served
0
Family Members Stabilized
0
+
Services Provided
0
+
Retaliations
0
Who We Serve
Reaching Those at Highest Risk
Our Violence Intervention Specialists are also survivors of gun violence, bringing lived experience, credibility, and trust to every interaction.
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Gunshot wound survivors at UAB Hospital -
ED patients discharged within hours (highest-risk group) -
Trauma Unit patients needing extended recovery support -
Family members and community members affected by gun violence
Key SErvices
Comprehensive Support
From bedside intervention to long-term community stabilization — we walk with survivors every step of the way.
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Bedside crisis intervention & safety planning
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Trauma-informed case management (up to 1 year)
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Housing, employment & financial assistance linkage
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Warm handoffs to community-based trauma services
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Conflict de-escalation & relocation support
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Mental health & substance use referrals
-
Family engagement & community stabilization
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Individualized discharge planning
By The Numbers
Program Outcomes
A breakdown of impact across both the Emergency Department and Trauma Unit at UAB Hospital.
Metric
Emergency Dept.
Trauma Unit
Survivors Served
19
229
Re-injury Rate
0%
2%
Retaliations
0
0
Support Services
456+
5,424+
Voices of Impact
What People Are Saying
A family member and I were both shot, but only I survived. They helped me realize I didn’t need to retaliate… I’m so glad I stayed calm and let things play out.
E. Jenkins
Program Participant
Having OAA present in the ED has changed the atmosphere in critical moments. Families feel supported, tensions de-escalate, and it gives staff a partner we can call when the situation needs more than medical care.
UAB Emergency Department Staff Member
Healthcare Partner
We wish we had more nights with them here.
Dr. Adam Wilson
UAB Emergency Department
Recognition
2026 Public Health Champion
Jefferson County Department of Health
“OAA’s role in reducing gun violence with the VIP² Program is truly commendable. Your selection for this award means that, collectively, you have demonstrated exemplary qualities in response to a local public health need and have made a significant contribution in our community.”
— Dr. David Hicks, DO, MPH, FAAFP
Support the VIP² Program
Your support helps keep Violence Intervention Specialists in hospitals — where lives hang in the balance.