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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Riley Children’s Health Launches State's First Hospital-Linked Violence Intervention Program
Riley Children’s Health has announced a new initiative to help young victims of gun violence and their families recover and break cycles of violence. This program, the first of its kind in Indiana, is led by the Office of Community & Child Health (OCCH) and enhances Riley's commitment to addressing both the causes and consequences of community violence.
Serving Young Gun Violence Victims Beyond Medical Care
David Biggerstaff, president of Riley Children’s Health, emphasized the importance of extending support beyond medical treatment. “No family expects violence to become part of their story, but we see every day how deeply these injuries affect children, families and communities,” Biggerstaff said. He highlighted the hospital's responsibility to aid healing outside hospital walls and to offer hope and connection in efforts to disrupt cycles of violence.
Hybrid Model Integrates Hospital and Community-Based Interventions
The new violence intervention program employs a hybrid model that unites the clinical resources of Riley with broader community-based intervention efforts. Young patients treated for violence-related injuries, such as gunshot wounds or penetrating trauma, are connected with services focused on social, emotional, and environmental aspects crucial for their recovery. Mae Sandberg of Riley Children’s Health explained, “It doesn’t end once we have discharged them from the hospital. There are many lingering effects that happen. We want to sit with them as soon as bedside to let them know that they don’t have to navigate this alone.”
Addressing the Emotional Impact on Families
The trauma experienced by victims and families goes beyond physical injuries. Cheree Sampson, whose son Daron was killed at age 14 in 2018, shared her story in hopes of encouraging others to seek help and reflect before acting. “It took me a while to even just accept life for what it is. Me and my boys’ lives have changed tremendously,” Sampson recalled. She urged young people to recognize that carrying a gun or retaliating in violence is not a solution, saying, “One decision can end another one’s life and change yours forever.”
Partnerships for Violence Recovery and Prevention
Collaboration with the city of Indianapolis and organizations like VOICES Corp, Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, and Struggle Made Us brings mentorship and community-based support directly to families. Indy Peace life coaches support the process of violence interruption and recovery. Chauncey Anderson, an Indy Peace Life Coach, stated, “In the hospital, you’re able to talk to them and walk them through the things that’s going on and just try to be a level head at a time for chaos.”
Addressing A Pressing Need with Expanding Support
Riley Children’s Health reports treating gunshot wound patients as young as one month old this year, with the average age being 15. So far in 2026, 26 youth have been treated for violent gunshot wounds, and 11 for accidental gunfire. The hospital also noted a 45% readmission rate for violent injuries, underscoring the ongoing need for comprehensive violence recovery support.
Sandberg clarified that all pediatric patients entering the emergency department with gunshot wounds, and soon all penetrating wounds such as from stabbings, qualify for enrollment in the hospital violence program. The broader goal is to offer tailored support and mental health resources to help families and youth cope, heal, and prevent further incidents.
Encouragement for Community Participation
Cheree Sampson encouraged families to make use of the new youth violence prevention methods and talk openly with their children about the realities and consequences of violence. She emphasized the importance of proactive support and open communication, hoping her family’s loss helps others seek help before tragedy strikes.
Source: fox59.com.
