PIRIS Pilot Project

The Approach

Philadelphia was chosen as the PIRIS project pilot site because it has the greatest number of firearm-related hospital discharges for persons ages 15 to 24 in the state.  PIRIS is currently being implemented at three trauma centers: Albert Einstein Medical Center, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University Hospital. Nearly 40% of all Pennsylvania firearm-related hospitalizations among 15- to 24-year-olds take place at these three centers.

The Intervention

PIRIS provides comprehensive intervention services to 15- to 24-year-old gunshot victims who are admitted to PIRIS participating hospitals.  In addition, intervention services are provided to the families of these victims.  PIRIS helps victims and their families recognize conditions that may have contributed to their exposure to violence.  PIRIS develops individual plans for victims and their families to prevent further violence.

As part of developing plans to prevent further violence in the lives of these victims and family members, PIRIS provides information and referral services, which include assistance with:

• Health Insurance
• Education
• Job Training
• Transportation
• Counseling
• Family Needs
• Legal Issues
• Parenting
• Recreational Activities

Data Collection and Evaluation

Researchers review extensive data to refine the PIRIS project and make recommendations for future anti-violence interventions.