PCOM's Holistic Approach to Address Gun Violence

At PCOM Healthcare Centers, we recognize gun violence as a critical public health issue affecting our community. Our osteopathic physicians and healthcare center staff are committed to addressing this crisis through a holistic, whole-person approach which involves looking beyond the physical symptoms and evaluating other factors that might be impacting our patient’s health.

In response to this trend, we surveyed our patients to better understand how gun violence is affecting them and to identify ways we can help. We learned that there is much we can do to help make our communities safer, stronger and healthier. To facilitate these efforts, PCOM created SHELTER (Support and Healing through Empowerment, Learning, and Trauma Education in Recovery after gun violence), a program designed to enhance support we provide to patients and families who have been impacted by gun violence. With grant funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), PCOM healthcare center patients who have been impacted by gun violence may receive free mental and behavioral health support services.

To date, these efforts have included developing handouts for patients affected by gun violence, hosting information sessions, and providing onsite mental health counseling at our City Avenue, Cambria and Lancaster locations. Future efforts will be focused on streamlining referral procedures to PCOM’s mental and behavioral health support services, specifically for patients and families affected by gun violence.

At PCOM Healthcare Centers, we know exposure to gun violence negatively impacts victims, families and communities. We are taking a proactive approach to address this public health crisis as part of our deeply rooted commitment to supporting families and communities.

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by gun violence, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider. Also, please email SHELTER@pcom.edu or complete this information request form to learn more about SHELTER and the psychological support services available to PCOM healthcare center patients. We're here to help and can connect you with valuable resources and support services.