Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg adds new Violence Response Team suite

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg has added a new Violence Response Team suite that will allow for 24/7 assistance for those who have experienced violence.

According to Bon Secours, its Violence Response Team is made up of specially trained forensic nurses and victim services advocates as well as community health workers whose focus is supporting those impacted by community violence.

Bon Secours said its Violence Response Team program is the only forensic nursing program in Virginia to be staffed 24/7.

“The Violence Response Team cares for patients who have been impacted by violence. For some, this may be the worst day of their lives, and we hope in some way we can make a difference,” said Dr. Bonnie Price, Administrative Director of Community Health Advocacy for Bon Secours Richmond.

Bon Secours added that Petersburg has one of the U.S.’s highest rates of violent incidents, “underscoring the critical need for specialized care for victims of violence.”

The new suite spans 2,200 square feet and includes two exam rooms, two waiting rooms, a consultation room and a staff resiliency room.

This is the second suite Bon Secours has opened, with the first suite located at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond.

The Bon Secours Violence Response Team can be reached 24/7 through its Bon Secours hospitals or freestanding emergency departments, or by calling 804-281-8184 or 804-281-8574 during normal business hours.

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