Violence Intervention Advocacy Program

VIAP Program

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  • The Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence presented Dr. Thea James and the VIAP Team with the 2023 Peace MVP Award, which honors those who have been instrumental in promoting peace and preventing gun violence throughout Massachusetts. The ceremony was held at The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, where community members, leaders, elected officials, activists, and stakeholders gathered to celebrate VIAP's work. The team was also presented with an Official Citation from the State Senate, in recognition of VIAP's work to transform hospital response to gun violence and care for survivors and impacted communities. This citation was brought forward by Senator Liz Miranda and endorsed by Senate President Karen Spilka. 
The VIAP Team poses at the MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence's Peace MVP Award ceremony, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, holding an Official Citation from the State Senate.

 

  • VIAP was featured in the Office for Victims of Crime 2018 National Crime Victims' Rights Week video, which "emphasizes the importance of inclusion in victim services and addresses how the crime victims field can better ensure that every crime victim has access to services and support, and how professionals, organizations, and communities can work in tandem to reach all victims." Click here to watch.
  • VIAP's Home Visiting Nurse, Julie Swain RN, won the 2018 DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing at BMC. Watch Julie receive her award here.
  • Peter Pollard from Social Innovations Journal wrote "Fighting a Contagious Disease in Boston", which highlights VIAP's dedication to community engagement and innovation when addressing community violence and working toward prevention. Read the article here.
VIAP staff Rusti Pendleton, VIAP Trauma Response Team and David Wiley, Hospital Outreach Coordinator (standing w/ Red Sox caps) hosted VIAP participants on a group outing to the “Summer Jam” concert last June, where they enjoyed a private barbecue and back stage passes to meet performers.
Rusti Pendleton, VIAP Trauma Response Team Supervisor, and David Wiley, Hospital Outreach Coordinator (standing w/ Red Sox caps) hosted VIAP participants on a group outing to the “Summer Jam” concert last June, where they enjoyed a private barbecue and back stage passes to meet performers.