Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital is in the midst of a pilot program that provides one-time financial help to victims of violence or their next of kin, the New Haven Register reported May 8.
Homicide victims' next of kin enrolled in the program receive $1,000, according to the report. Victims of other types of violence receive $500, according to the report. The money is privately funded and issued through a card by the Connecticut COVID-19 Charity Connection, also known as 4-CT.
The cash card can be used for physical and mental health support services, housing needs or food, according to the report.
The one-year pilot program began in February and is a partnership between the hospital, 4-CT and the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention, according to the report. To date more than 60 people have received payments through the program.
Nick Aysseh, manager of the hospital's Center for Injury and Violence Prevention, told the outlet that 41 percent of patients treated for violent injury are reinjured within five years. He said by helping to meet the urgent financial needs of the victims, the hope is to get them in a situation where "there's no reason for another violence to occur."