Recognizing Injury and Violence Prevention Professionals

Injuries and violence affect the health of individuals and communities across the country. According to the CDC, more Americans ages 1–44 die from injuries and violence, including overdose, suicide, and homicide, than any other cause. Most importantly, many of these injuries are PREVENTABLE.

Prevention is the first step in the trauma care continuum. Through education, outreach, resources, and community partnerships, injury and violence prevention professionals help reduce risk factors, promote safety, and support healthier communities.

As designated trauma centers, both Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital are required to demonstrate organized injury prevention programs. At Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, this work also includes a dedicated program supporting victims of violence as they recover, rebuild, and strengthen resilience.

These programs are led by prevention specialists who use trauma data to identify common mechanisms of injury, recognize community needs, and develop targeted education and outreach initiatives. Their work helps connect individuals, families, and communities with the tools and resources needed to maximize safety and improve quality of life.

Carilion Clinic currently employs seven staff members across its two trauma centers who are dedicated to injury and violence prevention. This does not include the many additional team members who volunteer their time and talents to support prevention activities across Carilion’s service area.

Injury Prevention and Trauma Outreach

The Injury Prevention and Trauma Outreach Programs provide education for all ages on a wide range of topics, including:

• Fall prevention
• Motor vehicle and motorcycle safety
• Concussions in youth sports
• Bicycle and skateboard safety
• Child passenger safety and car seat checkups
• Swimming, water sports, and seasonal injury prevention
• Fire safety
• Poison prevention
• Choking, suffocation, and strangulation safety
• Holiday safety
• Rural and Resource-limited Trauma Care

Violent Injury Recovery and Support Program

The Violent Injury Recovery and Support, or VIRS Program, provides support to patients who have experienced violence. The program is made up of a program manager and two violence intervention specialists and has been operating at full capacity since January 2024.

VIRS team members meet with patients at the bedside, in their homes, and in their communities, providing intensive case management for up to one year after discharge.

During Fiscal Year 2025, from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, the VIRS Program completed:

• 317 hospital visits
• 204 community visits
• 128 home visits

In total, 174 patients were introduced to VIRS program services, with 77 patients enrolled. This represents 445 hours of direct patient contact.

The response from patients and community partners has been overwhelmingly appreciative, and the program continues to make a meaningful impact for those affected by violence.

Please join Trauma Services and Carilion Clinic in recognizing and celebrating these dedicated professionals. Their work prevents injury, supports recovery, strengthens communities, and reminds us that trauma care begins long before a patient arrives at the hospital.