Thousands of lives are lost and millions of people impacted by violence in their communities. Even when criminal homicides stay at the same level and non-fatal shootings decline, as happened in Indianapolis in 2024, the numbers are still too high to make residents feel safe. Those who have been victims of violence or who are close to those who have could experience trauma long after the physical injuries resulting from that violence have healed. Whether the violence was intentional or the result of a tragic accident, those who experienced it will likely need continuing support and care. It is easy to feel sad and helpless in this situation.
Eskenazi Health Prescription for Hope is a program assisting those who have experienced assaults, shootings and stabbings. This aid begins during inpatient care at Eskenazi Health, when patients experiencing such injuries are visited by Prescription for Hope members. At this point, the team members seek to build rapport and see how they can be of the most assistance. During patients’ stay, team members determine what changes patients want to make in their lives, particularly aspects of their lives that could lead to further violence if not addressed.
Upon enrolling in the program, participants in Prescription for Hope are offered additional resources, all based on the goals they set for themselves. For example, perhaps an injury bars a participant from their current job and their goal is transitioning into the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) field. A Prescription for Hope member can connect the participant to HVAC or other training courses (sometimes paid). Support with education completion is offered as well. Participants also have access to mental health trauma counseling and sometimes peer groups as well.
Although victims of stabbings, shootings and assault can enter the program while accessing inpatient care at Eskenazi Health, Marion County residents experiencing these injuries who received care elsewhere are also welcome to join the program. Victims can also wait for months after an injury to enter Prescription for Hope if they are not ready to enroll immediately after an injury.
In addition to its intervention programming for those who have experienced violence, Prescription for Hope has two additional arms. One of these arms is focused on youth. Youth and young adults, as we know, are disproportionately impacted. While the number of non-violent shooting victims in the city declined in 2024, juvenile non-fatal shooting victims increased according to the Indianapolis Star. To address this important issue, Prescription for Hope collaborates with schools, helping identify young people who are struggling with overcoming the impact of socioeconomic challenges that increase the likelihood of either perpetrating or becoming a victim of violence. Reports show that one of those areas of challenge is education. Partnering with other community organizations, Prescription for Hope receives referrals from schools to help address attendance and behavior concerns. Such early support is crucial to help instill hope and direction in the lives of young people.
Another arm of the Prescription for Hope program works with adults who have been or are currently involved with the criminal justice system. Having a criminal record presents individuals with additional challenges. Staff members help them navigate those hurdles by providing support, training, education and connections to other community resources. These adults may, for example, experience roadblocks when seeking employment. The team works with a variety of reentry-friendly employers and organizations to assist participants who are working toward a career.
Violence in our community affects everyone, and it will never be easy to address. You are not, however, helpless in doing something to fight it. If you know someone who has suffered either recently or in the past from a violence-related injury such as a shooting, stabbing or assault; is an at-risk youth; or has been involved with the criminal justice system, do what you can to support them. Prescription for Hope can help. Call 317-880-3547.
Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande