Senator Klein Honored by Jacobi Medical Center for Innovative Stand Up to Violence Program

Special Recognition for Senator Klein in Establishing SUV Program in the Bronx

BRONX, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) was today honored for his outstanding commitment to and continued funding support for the Stand Up to Violence (SUV) Program at the 2015 North Bronx Healthcare Network Legislative Forum at Jacobi Medical Center.

“Three years ago, when I first introduced the SUV Program here in the Bronx, we were facing an epidemic of violence in our streets, our backyards and our communities,” said Senator Klein. “In just three short years, this program has made a significant impact on guns and gang violence and reduced the incidence of shootings by approximately 40% in targeted areas, including the 47th and 49th precincts. SUV’s aggressive and proven approach makes it clear to our young people that guns and gang violence do not need to be a way of life.”

The SUV Program is a unique, innovative violence prevention program which deploys “violence interrupters” to targeted high-crime areas across the Bronx. Interrupters work to identify and detect the presence of violence, and then interrupt and prevent future acts. Violence interrupters are hand-picked based on their ability to relate to high-risk youth, their background and connections to the local community. The SUV program is administered in partnership with Jacobi Medical Center and Fellowship Tabernacle Church.

"We are very grateful for Senator Klein's support of the 'Stand Up to Violence' Program.  Medical studies have shown that if someone comes into an Emergency Room with an intentionally inflicted traumatic wound, there's a 20% chance that within five years they will be dead,” said William P. Walsh, Senior VP of Jacobi Medical Center. “The SUV program allows us to look beyond those wounds and examine other needs the patient may have.  Furthermore, our workers are out in their 'Target Area' everyday educating and intervening with young people most at risk to lower the shooting rates and literally save lives before they cross our doors. Sen. Klein's funding makes this all  possible."