Everytown, Connecticut Moms Demand Action, Applaud Governor Lamont for Signing Legislation to Fund Medicaid Services for Gun Violence Survivors

The Connecticut chapter of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots initiative of Everytown for Gun Safety, released a statement applauding Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont for signing into law HB 5677, a bill to direct the Connecticut’s Medicaid program to fund hospital-based violence intervention programs (“HVIP”) and other community violence intervention services for victims of violence who are at high risk for violent reinjury or retaliation. This coverage will allow for Connecticut to address the ever-worsening gun violence public health crisis currently devastating the state and the country. 

“Governor Lamont signing this bill into law is a major step forward in the fight against gun violence in our state,” said Kate Martin, a volunteer with the Connecticut chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Funding programs like these saves lives who would otherwise be at severe risk of gun violence. We are very grateful to the Governor for recognizing how important it is to support this provision, and for his continued commitment to curbing gun violence and promoting public health.”

In Connecticut, hundreds of people are shot and killed or wounded every year. Gun violence costs the state over $1.4 billion each year, of which more than $60 million is paid by taxpayers. This costs each resident of Connecticut $385 every year. This, when taken with the grievous human cost of gun violence, makes the provision of violence intervention services essential for the state.