Relief of Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress for Victims of Gun Violence

The Screening and Tool for Awareness and Relief of Trauma (START) was developed for patients that come from communities with sustained and persistent trauma. It consists of six screening questions adapted from the validated Primary Care PTSD Screen,\[30\] with input from focus groups, surveys and in-depth interviews with victims of violence. The full START intervention requires 30-45 minutes of structured conversation at the end of which the participant leaves with a better understanding of trauma symptoms as well as on-the-spot instruction on a set of techniques designed to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD. Based on the results of their screening, the participant will be offered up to four techniques to alleviate their symptoms

Screening for PTSD and referral for outpatient services if warranted as well as usual care from Violence Prevention and Outreach Program (VPOP) staff.