The Injury and Violence Prevention Center (IVPC) at the Colorado School of Public Health and Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, is pleased to announce the 2023 Impact Report. This report highlights the Center’s significant achievements, innovative research and evaluation efforts, and community outreach from 2023.
The report showcases IVPC’s dedication to reducing injury and violence through evidence-based interventions, collaborative research, and educational programs and emphasizes the profound impact of these efforts on our partnerships. It also details IVPC’s progress in key areas related to creating and sustaining community partnerships, a testament to the commitment to strengthening injury and violence prevention efforts in our communities.
The report highlights key research and evaluation studies in the field of injury and violence prevention. It includes investigations into the effects of cannabis use on driving, the state-level evaluation of Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), and the impact of community-engaged research. These studies were the result of collective efforts from
- Chris Knoepke, PhD, MSW, LCSW, assistant research professor in the Department of Cardiology, spearheading the evaluation of ERPOs.
- Ashley Brooks Russell, PhD, MPH, IVPC director, and associate professor in the Department of Community & Behavioral Health, leading the study on the effects of cannabis on driving.
- Erin Kelly, DrPH, MA, research associate in the Department of Community & Behavioral Health, with her team actively collaborating with communities to address violence directly.
IVPC's community engagement and education efforts demonstrated significant growth and success in 2023. The Center deepened its connection with those most affected by injury and violence through strategic partnerships with local organizations, educational opportunities, and effective community engagement. The collaboration with the Colorado Office of Gun Violence Prevention resulted in the development of a resource bank, data dashboard, and a state-wide survey, all of which have played a crucial role in educating the Colorado public on firearm safety.
These efforts also help strengthen collaborative research and partnerships with other academic institutions, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Notable collaborations featured in this report include the partnership with the Gang Rescue and Support Project (GRASP) in Denver, which has been crucial in supporting at-risk youth and preventing gang involvement, and with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
IVPC continues to provide training, educational opportunities, mentorship, and financial support for students in the region. The newly developed scholarship program for students enrolled in the American Indian and Alaska Native Health Certificate program at the Colorado School of Public Health demonstrates the commitment to health equity and supports the next generation of public health professionals in injury and violence prevention.
“We are proud of the progress and impact we have made over the past year,” said Director Brooks Russell. “Our work is crucial in creating safer communities and improving injuries and deaths in Colorado. Our impact brief demonstrates our team’s achievements and the importance of continued investment in partnerships and the communities we serve.”
The Injury & Violence Prevention Center’s 2023 Impact Report can be viewed below or at the IVPC website, coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/ivpc.
