The Dante Barksdale Award honors the important and lifesaving work of frontline violence intervention and prevention workers. These staff members establish and maintain trust with individuals through credibility which stems from their experiential knowledge. A core tenant to violence prevention work using a public health approach, these individuals are effective at influencing change within communities that have historically been harmed and mistreated by health systems.

In memory of Dante “Tater” Barksdale, the HAVI is recognizing a frontline violence intervention worker, current or former, that has demonstrated leadership and excellence coordinating across sectors to achieve impact results for the entire violence prevention and intervention field. This year’s recipient will be honored at the 2023 HAVI Annual Conference on September 26-28, 2023 with an award and a check for $5,000.

The Empowering the Frontline Award celebrates new and rising frontline violence intervention workers that have demonstrated outstanding commitment and promise to the field of violence prevention and intervention work. This intergenerational award is named after past frontline violence intervention award winners – all who have committed their life’s work to serving their communities and who will have an opportunity to honor those that represent the future of this work.

The HAVI will name three new honorees with these awards at the 2023 HAVI Conference on September 26-28, 2023. Winners will receive and award and $1,000 check. In addition, award recipients will receive professional development and mentorship from the previous frontline worker award winners.

The Rashaw Scott Award honors the important contributions of youth and young adults who make a difference in their communities. These youth and young adults have been instrumental in addressing violence, trauma, and violent victimization in communities. They serve as vocal advocates for encouraging and empowering other youth and young adults.

In memory of Rashaw Scott, the HAVI is recognizing an outstanding youth/young adult leader who is committed and passionate about violence prevention and healing equity work. The recipient(s) will be honored at the 2023 HAVI Annual Conference on September 26-28, 2023. They will receive an award and be asked to share their powerful stories and reasons for why this work is important to them. In addition, the recipient will receive a $1,000 check.

The Willis Young Award honors the important work of hospital-based and hospital-linked frontline violence intervention workers. These staff members have been at the forefront of addressing violence, trauma, and violent victimization in communities of color. They serve as an important bridge between individuals who have been violently injured and hospital systems to ensure that they are connected with equitable, trauma-informed services to support their pathway to healing.

Every year, the HAVI recognizes a frontline violence intervention worker who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and passion for violence prevention work. This year’s recipient will be honored at the 2023 HAVI Conference on September 26-28, 2023 with an award along with a check for $5,000.