Willis Young Award
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.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Nominees who are case managers, violence intervention specialists, or hospital responders at a hospital-based or hospital-linked program that have demonstrated leadership and excellence in frontline violence intervention work.
NOMINATIONS
To be considered, please submit a nomination for the person being recommended by completing the application form and include the following:
Please describe why the nominee should be considered for this award.
Describe a time where the nominee was influential in causing a turn-around or change in a client's life.
Please describe the nominee's involvement in the community in which they work.
Applications will be evaluated, and the award recipient will be determined by a selection committee
ABOUT WILLIS YOUNG
Willis Young, known as “Young” to his friends, was a charismatic and open-minded young man. For two and a half years, Young worked as a hospital responder for the Kings Against Violence Initiative (KAVI) in Brooklyn, New York. In his position, he provided support, comfort and resources to young people suffering from violent injuries at King’s County Hospital. Young used his knowledge and hope to give these young people the opportunity to change, provide them with the comfort they needed to survive their hospital stay, and support them after they returned home. He also defused retaliation scenarios and provided solutions for young people’s self-empowerment. Young tragically lost his life to violence in August 2015. The HAVI remembers the powerful impact he had on his community by recognizing his colleagues who are having an impact on theirs.
—UPDATE—
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THIS AWARD.
The HAVI will announce the awardee at the 2023 HAVI Conference on September 26-28, 2023 in Chicago, IL.