Cardell Jones was shot in December of 2024. While still in the hospital, Cardell was able to benefit from a new program launched February of 2024- the Violence Intervention and Prevention Partners - or VIP² - program. The program is a collaboration between the Offender Alumni Association, the Jefferson County Department of Health, the City of Birmingham, and UAB Hospital and was funded with a $1.1 million grant from the JCDH for its first year. The goal is to reduce subsequent acts of violence involving the clients, improve health outcomes and enhance educational attainment, employability, and employment status. VIP² is one tool in the city of Birmingham’s toolbox of reducing gun violence in our city.
A team of violence intervention specialists provided Cardell with mentoring and support during his recovery. These mentors, with their own lived experience, provide connections to social, medical, and mental health services.
After many weeks off of work due to his injuries, Cardell unfortunately lost his job. But as of spring 2024, ago, Cardell was hired by the Offender Alumni Association. He is now part of a positive cycle of giving back to his community and he works with the Heroes in the Hood program, providing an uplifting mentoring influence to teens. Hear Cardell’s story, told by Tim Lanier and Cardell himself.
This trauma survivor video premiered at the 2024 UAB Heroes and Healers Gala event on May 3, 2024 at the Haven in downtown Birmingham. The gala was presented by UAB’s Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. To learn more about, or make a gift to, the UAB chapter of the Trauma Survivors Network, send an email to traumasurvivors@uabmc.edu.
Video by Chris Carmichael Multimedia.