PROTECT

What is PROTECT?

PROTECT is a hospital violence intervention program for victims who are 17 years of age and under. We work with victims, alongside their families, while they are being treated for firearm related injuries. We take a public health approach to violent injury by providing internal and external support with the goal of reducing risk factors associated with violent injuries.

Our Mission & Vision

PROTECT shares a mission to use the teachable moment of a non-accidental violent injury to promote positive behavior changes. Our vision is to heal youth affected by violence, educate families and community partners to advance equitable trauma informed care with violence intervention programs.

Risk Factors Associated with Violent Injuries

• Education deficiencies
• Lack of job opportunities
• Socioeconomically limited neighborhoods
• Lack of positive role models
• Substance abuse

How We Can Help

Our team is here to coordinate resources, heal youth affected by violence, and to foster families and community partners to advance equitable trauma informed care with violence intervention programs.

The Four Key Principles of PROTECT

1. People are treated with dignity and respect.
2. Healthcare providers communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful.
3. Individuals and families build strength by using resources provided that enhance control of their care and independence.
4. Collaboration among patients, families and community resources occurs in the delivery of care.

Effects of Trauma

Gun violence is a public health epidemic that is taking a devastating toll on our children. Whether it’s due to unlocked or unsecured firearms or violence in the streets, the key to preventing deaths or injuries related to firearms is to understand the individual’s risks and breaking the cycle of violence.

Facts About Gun Violence

Violent injury nationwide:

• The leading cause of death in the United States’ pediatric population is related to firearm injury.
• 46,728 lives were lost to gun violence in 2023
• Firearm homicide rates are highest among:
• Ages 15-34 & minority groups
• Injury recidivism rates as high as 55% per the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Violent injury in our community:

• 35% of patients less than 15 years of age at Ochsner LSU Pediatric Trauma Center with firearm injury were due to unsecured and loaded firearms.
• Gun violence is a public health epidemic that’s taking a devastating toll on our children and discussing it should be a part of routine care. Whether it’s due to unlocked or unsecured firearms or violence in the streets, the key to preventing deaths or injuries related to firearms is to understand the individual's risks and breaking the cycle of violence.