Injury & Violence Prevention Program

Injuries can happen to anyone, but many are preventable. The UVA Health Injury and Violence Prevention Program is a coordinated effort within the health system to reduce injury, violence, and trauma before it happens and to improve outcomes afterward. UVA Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention program is focused on prevention, education, intervention, and community support related to both intentional and unintentional injuries.

Common areas include:

• Fall prevention (especially for older adults): Falls are the #1 cause of injury for older adults and are the leading cause of patients arriving at UVA Health.
• Motor vehicle safety: Stay safe on the road with tips and education about passenger safety, distracted or impaired driving, and more.
• Bike/E-bike safety: Staying safe
• Violence prevention: We're committed to reducing violence in our community through partnerships, education, and outreach, with special focus on gun violence and youth violence prevention.
• Substance use and overdose prevention
• Trauma-informed care and recovery support

Why Injury and Violence Prevention Matters

Injuries are a leading cause of emergency department visits and hospital stays. From falls to motor vehicle crashes, many injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts. The good news is that prevention works.

By learning simple strategies and increasing awareness, you can:

• Stay active and independent longer
• Reduce the risk of serious injury
• Improve overall health and well-being
• Support recovery
• Strengthen communities

Our Team

• Connie Clark, Injury Prevention Coordinator
• Brittany Nash, LCSW, HVIP Supervisor, Trauma Social Worker
• Brea Nielson, Violence Intervention Specialist
• Martavious Terrell, Violence Intervention Specialist

Classes & Programs

The Injury & Violence Prevention program regularly offers engaging, hands-on classes designed to build confidence and skills.