Violence Prevention
City Delivers Services:
- Community Connections: Community Connections is a collaborative program between the Bethlehem Health Bureau and the Bethlehem Police Department. The goal of the program is to improve the health and safety of the community by integrating social workers and mental health specialists into police department operations to address mental health crises and unmet social service needs such as substance abuse, homelessness, and elder care gaps. When a police officer interacts with someone who is experiencing a social service need, they refer that individual to one of the Health Bureau’s Community Connections workers. Once the Community Connections worker receives the referral, they attempt to connect with the individual, complete an intake to assess their needs, connect the individual to appropriate resources, provide case management, and follow up at regular intervals. Community Connections workers also respond in the field when necessary.
- Better Blocks for Bethlehem: Better Blocks for Bethlehem is a neighborhood-level violence and injury prevention program. The initiative addresses social determinants of health and safety that contribute to neighborhood conditions. An assessment was conducted in five selected neighborhoods to identify specific needs related to violence, safety, and overall quality of life issues. Based on survey feedback, the Health Bureau will develop neighborhood improvement plans that include programs and services specifically tailored to address each neighborhood’s unique needs.
City Collaborates and strategizes with service providers: