Riley Children’s Health launches Indiana’s first pediatric violence intervention program, expanding community partnerships

Riley Children’s Health announced Oct. 8, 2026, that it launched a violence intervention program in Indianapolis and became the first pediatric hospital in Indiana to connect patients and their families with specialized resources and support, WISH-TV reported. Riley is a Level 1 trauma center and joins 11 other U.S. pediatric hospitals with similar programs.

The initiative is designed to help young survivors and their families heal after trauma by addressing social, emotional and environmental factors that affect recovery and by aiming to prevent future violence. Riley said its median patient age this year is 15, 14% of patients treated for gunshot wounds are under age 10, and the youngest patient was 1 month old. Mae Sandberg, who leads the community and child health office at IU Health Riley Children’s Health, and David Lee, program manager for special projects with Indy Peace, were quoted on the program’s community collaborations and family supports.

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