LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Not reflecting this week's non-fatal shooting, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has reported 403 non-fatal shootings so far in 2023, nearly 40 fewer compared to 2022.

But Louisville has a lack of mental health care professionals to help those in need following acts of violence. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has reported 403 non-fatal shootings in 2023 so far

  • The Kentucky Psychological Foundation aims to provide resources to help gun violence victims recover, among other services

  • UofL Health’s Community Health Workers provide non-fatal gunshot victims and their families wraparound care for recovery and hope to prevent future trauma.

Clinical psychologist Eric Russ said the demand for mental health care has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We've had quite a bit of racial violence, racial unrest as well, and that has increased the amount of trauma and increased the mental health need," Russ said. "We don't have the capacity in our workforce to take care of everybody that we need to.”

The Kentucky Psychological Foundation aims to provide resources to help gun violence victims recover, among other services. Similarly, University of Louisville (UofL) Health's Community Health Workers provide non-fatal gunshot victims and their families wraparound care for recovery with a goal of preventing future trauma. 

The team provides intervention resources at the patient’s bedside and mental health services.

"The world doesn't stop once you get to the hospital," said Kiara James of UofL Health Community Health Workers. 

UofL Health has treated 277 patients experiencing a gunshot wound assault in 2023. The organization also hosts MINT (Motivated Individuals Navigating Trauma), which provides therapeutic support and social experiences for gun violence survivors.

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