New Travis County program aims to help with gun violence prevention, provide support services

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Travis County Commissioners approved Tuesday a new pilot program aiming to help with gun violence prevention and connecting survivors with support services.

According to the Office of Travis County Judge Andy Brown, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved a contract with Ascension Seton to launch the Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP).

HVIP stems from the Safer Travis County Resolution, which allotted $500,000 for gun violence prevention programs, according to the county.

The program is expected to provide trauma-informed care and address social determinants of health identified by the victims and their families during hospital stays and follow-up post-discharge.

HVIP will also provide referrals to community partners specializing in mental health, substance abuse stabilization, shelter, food, financial resources, legal advocacy and employment assistance.

“The ultimate goal is to reduce gun violence by reducing the risk of re-injury, retaliation, revictimization, and readmittance,” county officials said.

According to the county, gun violence was the leading cause of non-accidental deaths in Travis County, with 178 firearm-related deaths occurring in 2023 — 107 classified as suicides and 71 as homicides.

“In Travis County, we believe we can help stop the cycle of gun violence by helping survivors and the communities around them recover and become more resilient,” Brown said. “By focusing our efforts on prevention and intervention, the Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program will help change that and help us build a stronger, more resilient, and healthier Travis County.”