S3. Ep 4. Injury on Repeat: The BRAVE Program Artwork

Injury is NOT Equal

No one enjoys being injured, especially when it could be prevented! No, not the bump on the knee or the scratch on the elbow. Preventable traumatic injury impacts communities and individuals differently and is influenced by systemic racism, sexism and the social determinants of health. Join hosts from Sunnybrook's Centre for Injury Prevention, along with community experts, doctors, healthcare professionals, and follow stories from individuals living with injury. Injury is not equal is a podcast that’s digging deep to understand the “why”, highlighting the diverse journey of injury, and identifying ways to prevent it.

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Injury is NOT Equal

S3. Ep 4. Injury on Repeat: The BRAVE Program

December 16, 2024 • Centre for Injury Prevention • Season 3 • Episode 4

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Violent injury is a pressing global public health issue, with survivors at a much higher risk of experiencing repeated injuries. At Sunnybrook, violent injuries make up approximately 19% of all trauma activations—a figure that has risen significantly over time. To combat this, the BRAVE Program (Breaking the Cycle of Violence with Empathy) delivers hospital-based violence intervention aimed at reducing injury recidivism and preventing retaliation. Through coordinated wraparound services, BRAVE addresses key modifiable risk factors, fostering recovery and disrupting the cycle of violence.

Guest Speakers:

Michael Lewis

Case Manager, BRAVE Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Michael is a Case Manager with Sunnybrook’s BRAVE Program and has over 20 years of experience in the Social Services sector. Michael played a pivotal role in the launch of the BRAVE Program in September 2020. As the programs first and sole case manager for the first 3 years, Michael worked diligently to support violently injured patients receiving care through Sunnybrook’s trauma program.

Elena Gordon

Case Manager, BRAVE Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Elena is the second case manager working with Sunnybrook’s BRAVE Program. Elena joined the team in 2023, partnering with Michael as the BRAVE Program expanded to support patients across the city’s East and West ends through Scarborough Health Network and Humber River Hospital. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Social Work, Elena brings over 8 years of experience working with vulnerable youth.

Resources:

BRAVE – Introduction to Sunnybrook’s Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program

BRAVE Program

SafeTO: A Community Safety & Well-Being Plan

Host:

Shaelyn Fitzpatrick, RN, BScN

Injury Prevention Educator, Centre for Injury Prevention

Podcast Produced By:

Centre for Injury Prevention

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Producer:

Cassandra Matchett

Media Production Student at Toronto Metropolitan University

Music:

Klimenko Music at Premium Beats

Alexander Blu Music at Orangefreesounds.com

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speakers own and do not represent Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

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