The HAVI Applauds California’s Historic Passage of Bill to Fund Community Violence Intervention, Urges Governor to Swiftly Sign It Into Law

September 14, 2023 — Last week the California State Legislature passed AB28—the Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act—which would create a fund to support programs addressing different facets of gun violence, including approximately $75 million annually for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Grant Program. The CalVIP Grant Program, which is administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections, provides funding to cities and community-based organizations for the development and expansion of evidence-based violence reduction strategies, including hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs). The legislation will now go to Governor Newsom, who has until October 14 to sign it into law.

The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (the HAVI)—an organization that fosters a nationwide network of HVIPs—is proud to have worked alongside a broad coalition of groups, including California-based HAVI member programs such as Youth ALIVE!, to develop and secure passage of AB28. The HAVI applauds the passage of this important legislation and urges Governor Newsom to sign it into law without delay.

“Research shows that interventions in hospitals, along with comprehensive mental health care and social programs, are effective in preventing violence,” said Fatimah Loren Dreier, the HAVI’s Executive Director. “California Assembly Bill 28 will not only support the long-term growth and sustainability of these transformative hospital-based programs but will also fuel the coordination and collaboration that is so critically needed across organizations that make up the broader CVI ecosystem. This investment stands to create safer neighborhoods and support economic growth in Black and Brown communities recovering from decades of disinvestment—often the same communities disproportionately impacted by violence. It will also increase opportunities for survivors of violence—who are most qualified to engage those at highest risk of violent reinjury or perpetration—to become skilled violence prevention professionals. We call on Governor Newsom to act quickly and sign this vital legislation into law."