New York state has launched a pilot program to integrate firearm access and injury risk screening into emergency department visits.
The initiative, supported by a $1.5 million investment from the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention, expands New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention program to providers at three hospitals, according to a March 19 news release from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Northwell’s Center for Gun Violence Prevention will provide training, technical assistance and support to the participating providers: Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and SBH Health System in New York City. To date, Northwell has screened more than 100,000 patients since implementing the protocol across its system in 2020.
The program adds voluntary firearm injury risk screening for patients ages 12 and older during emergency department visits. Patients who screen positive may receive resources including gun locks, safe storage guidance, counseling and referrals to community-based services, the release said.
The program expansion follows Northwell Health’s Gun Violence Prevention Forum, which took place March 5 in New York City. The event has been hosted by the system since 2019 and was spearheaded by Michael Dowling, former CEO of Northwell Health, who now serves in an emeritus role.
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