Camden GPS Program

Guidance, Preservation, and Support

Launched in 2010, the Camden GPS Program is a hospital-based violence intervention program that works with Camden youth and young adults who are treated for injuries related to assaults or intentional violence. Using the Camden Health Database, the Coalition determined that between 2002 and 2008, there were 2,817 visits to Camden hospitals by patients aged 10-24 years times for injuries related to intentional assault (including gunshot wounds, stabbings, and beatings). The total charges for those visits added up to $21 million.  Similar to poorly managed chronic disease, violence poses a negative and unnecessary burden on the health system.  Using a patient-centered care management approach, the GPS Program works with young adults (ages 10-24) from Camden to strengthen family bonds and provide them with resources to help them make better life choices and remove themselves from the cycle of violence.

A Hospital-Based Intervention Program

Studies of similar programs nationwide have shown that hospital-based violence prevention can help reduce the rates of hospital recidivism for retaliation and re-injury, and arrest for violent crimes. Working directly with the Center for Family Services, the program’s Intervention Specialist meets with the patient, develops a relationship with the patient and his/her family, helps define personal needs and goals, and connects participants and their families with community resources and long-term support. The Intervention Specialist helps victims of violence redirect their lives to seek alternative behaviors and lifestyles, and avoid further conflicts.

Program Resources

By building relationships and partnerships with a variety of local service organizations, participants are connected to resources to help in their recovery.  Resources include:

  • Counseling
  • Anger Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Family Guidance
  • Health Access
  • Mentoring
  • Job Placement & Training
  • School Placement
  • GED/Alternative
  • Education
  • Legal Aid