The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has donated $66,000 to assist in expanding Memphis’ first hospital-based violence intervention program at Regional One Health. This new funding from BlueCross BlueShield will support Rx for Change by assisting with program expansion. Program staff will be able to assist and connect more clients with community partners.

The program, Rx for Change, was launched in August 2013 and strives to reduce retaliation, assist clients with achieving personal goals, and reduce recidivism rates. Since its launch, Rx for Change has enrolled 50 young men and women in the program, and re-injury rates are below historical numbers. Initial funding was provided by Regional One Health Foundation, which continues its support of Rx for Change.

Rx for Change was developed in tandem with the City of Memphis Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team, which was created to develop novel initiatives to advance the city in specific ways, such as focusing on the reduction of violence among young people.

“We are proud to partner with BlueCross BlueShield, the Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team, and our Regional One Health Foundation to work on the alarming statistics of youth violence in our community,” said Dr. Reginald Coopwood, president and CEO. “We are hopeful that our collective efforts will lead to substantial and sustaining change.”