During a recent budget hearing, city officials discussed a significant proposal aimed at enhancing support for domestic violence survivors through trauma-informed care. The plan involves collaboration with the Health and Hospitals Corporation (H and H) to either provide services directly or contract them out. Officials expressed strong support for this initiative, highlighting its potential to improve care for vulnerable populations.

The proposal is particularly focused on augmenting existing programs at King's Hospital, which has developed a state-of-the-art approach to addressing risks associated with suffocation and head trauma in domestic violence cases. If funding is secured, this program could serve as a pilot for similar initiatives in other hospitals, expanding the reach of trauma-informed care across the city.

In addition to the domestic violence initiative, the council urged the administration to prioritize the construction of a new outpatient building at Lincoln Hospital. This project has been identified as a critical capital need, yet it was notably absent from the executive capital plan. Officials questioned the lack of funding for this project and sought clarity on discussions between H and H and the relevant funding bodies.

The proposed outpatient facility would utilize available space directly across from Lincoln Hospital, eliminating the need for demolition and allowing for a more efficient development process. As discussions continue, the outcomes of these proposals could significantly impact healthcare access and support for some of the city's most vulnerable residents.