Gottheimer announces $1 million in federal funding for North Jersey violence intervention program

HACKENSACK, N.J. (Bergen County) — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced more than $1 million in federal funding to expand a hospital-based violence intervention program in Bergen County aimed at helping victims of domestic and community violence and reducing repeat violent injuries.

Gottheimer, D-N.J., discussed the funding during an Aug. 10 roundtable at Bergen’s Promise in Hackensack with representatives from Hackensack Meridian Health, law enforcement, local government and community organizations.

The federal funding will support the expansion of Hackensack University Medical Center’s Community Health Worker Violence Intervention Program, including trained professionals, technology, supplies and transportation for victims and families across North Jersey.

“Keeping Jersey families safe is about as common sense and bipartisan as it gets — and it starts with making sure our hospitals and communities have the tools they need to break the cycle of violence,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “This is exactly the kind of partnership between the federal government, our hospitals, and our community organizations that actually gets things done for people. I’m proud to have fought for this funding. I’m proud it’s coming back to Bergen County where it belongs, and I’m ready to work with all of you to make sure this program succeeds.”

Hospital-based violence intervention programs work with patients who are considered at risk of suffering another violent injury. Patients can be connected with services while they are still in a hospital or emergency department, followed by community-based case management and other assistance after they leave.

The programs are intended to address factors that could contribute to future violence while helping victims recover and connecting them with community resources.

According to information released by Gottheimer’s office, Hackensack University Medical Center treated nearly 3,000 victims of shootings, stabbings, beatings and domestic violence from 2021 through 2026.

Those patients represented about 25% of the more than 11,400 victims of violence treated across the Hackensack Meridian Health network in New Jersey during that period, according to the congressman’s office.

Gottheimer’s office said 5% of victims participating in the violence intervention program were hospitalized again for another violent injury, compared with 36% of victims who did not participate.

The roundtable focused on expanding the program, how the federal funding will be used to provide services to victims and their families, and efforts to reduce violence in North Jersey.