Outreach

Stopping the cycle of violence

In any city, the Emergency Department is the primary entry point for individuals who have sustained injury from community violence. Dr. Tolulope Sonuyi took note of this cycle of violence with Detroit's young adult population and subsequently began to develop the hospital-based violence intervention initiative, known as Detroit Life is Valuable Everyday (DLIVE). Dr. Sonuyi recruited community leaders, Calvin Evans and Ray Winans, to serve as Violence Intervention Specialists and further develop the initiative. Working with Wayne State University’s Department of Emergency Medicine, DLIVE secured administrative buy-in and grant funding prior to officially launching in April 2016. As Violence Intervention Specialists, Evans and Winans are constantly in the hospital and the community serving as the critical link to bolster individuals with a variety of tools and resources to help prevent repeat injury. In addition, their work has included education presentations and the development of a Trauma Peer Support Group. SGH employees recently joined DLIVE for a successful business clothing drive that outfitted participants with ties and belts. To date, there have been no repeat injuries for any DLIVE participants as many are now engaged in activity to reduce the risk of recurrent injury. DLIVE’s efforts were recently featured on Detroit Public TV's “One Detroit”. DLIVE has expanded and is now being offered at Detroit Receiving Hospital.

Community Nursing

Sharon McKinzie, a registered nurse and Sinai-Grace Trauma Outreach Specialist, has also developed effective community outreach programs educating children, teens and seniors on trauma-related topics including texting while driving, sexting, fall prevention, bullying, and driving while intoxicated.