Denver's hospital gun-violence programs face funding uncertainty

Programs aimed at preventing gun violence in hospitals, like Denver Health’s AIM, face uncertainty over federal funding due to recent executive orders from President Donald Trump. These orders review many initiatives launched by the Biden administration, creating concerns for the future support of programs helping victims of gun violence. Erica Green's experience at Denver Health, where she sought help for her brother after he was shot, inspired her to work in violence prevention. She is now the program manager for AIM, which helps gun violence patients and their families by addressing social issues that lead to violence. AIM has shown success, with programs across the country reporting significant reductions in future violent injuries. President Trump's new policies have raised questions about continued funding for AIM and similar programs. Many organizers are worried about potential funding cuts and are exploring alternative sources. Federal data revealed that gun violence has become a leading cause of death for children and young adults, prompting health professionals to regard it as a critical health issue. AIM outreach workers engage with gunshot victims in hospitals to discuss the reasons behind their injuries and coordinate resources for rehabilitation. The program has expanded its services, including a new community clinic in Denver, which will soon provide more comprehensive care, including bullet removal. As federal support becomes uncertain, some programs are hopeful about new state-level funding from a voter-approved tax on firearms. However, revenue from this tax won’t be available until 2026. Emergency room assessments suggest a need for addressing the root causes of violence, such as economic insecurity and feelings of danger in communities. Experts emphasize that without funding, even short interruptions could harm the effectiveness of programs like AIM. Despite the political landscape, many believe in the necessity of tackling the social factors driving gun violence to create safer communities for everyone.