273 - Guaranteed income support for survivors of firearm violence: A qualitative study of parent-child dyads

Publication Number: 2263.273

Ruth Abaya, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Bernadette AC. Hohl, Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Christina D. Collins, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Christina Mancheno, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Jasmine Jones, City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Lydia Host, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Pilar Ocampo, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Background: Firearm injuries are a major cause of physical and psychological harm for youth and young adults and the leading cause of death for children and youth 1-19 years of age in the United States. Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) seek to support survivors in addressing social determinants of health. Guaranteed income support can facilitate connection to social determinants but has not been explored as a tool for augmenting HVIP services in the post-recovery period.

Objective: The goal of this study was to explore the use of a 6-month guaranteed income pilot program for survivors of firearm violence enrolled in HVIPs in Philadelphia County. The qualitative portion of this study explored the financial, social, and health impacts of the pilot program on patients and families. This work describes the interviews conducted with the cohort of patients that were minors ( < 18 years of age) and their caregivers.

Design/Methods: A cohort of survivors of firearm injury were recruited from May 2023-July 2024 for a feasibility study of guaranteed income in survivors of violence. A total of 14 patients < 18 years of age and their legal guardians were included in the study cohort. Patients received $500 per month for 6 months. Well-being surveys were conducted at enrollment, at the conclusion of the study, and in the 1-year follow-up period. At the conclusion of the payment period, the team conducted semi-structured interviews with recipients, including caregiver dyads (all guardians and patients >12 years of age). Interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis.

Results: Preliminary review of interviews reveals a wide range of needs for which funds were applied. Pediatrics patients had different experiences of the intervention than adult patients as the funds were disbursed to their legal caregiver on their behalf. The impact of the intervention was focused on both the family unit and the individual. Caregivers also experienced challenges in the aftermath of their child’s firearm injury.

Conclusion(s): Firearm injury impacts whole families. Programs that provide direct funding support should consider how funds disbursed directly to the injured individual (including minors) and disbursed to the family might have different impacts on recovery and healing.