Mass violence incidents (mvis) in the U.S. Have killed and injured thousands, harmed the behavioral/mental health (BH/MH) of countless others, and restricted freedom to enjoy life

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) was awarded a $8,900,000 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (CFDA 16.321 Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve) to continue operating the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center (NMVVRC). The purpose is to help improve the nation's capacity to respond to mass violence incidents by:

1. Continuing and expanding the NMVVRC's development and implementation of evidence-based best practices to address the behavioral and mental health needs of mass violence victims.

2. Assuming responsibility for the Improving Community Preparedness to Assist Victims of Mass Violence: Training and Technical Assistance (ICP-TTA) project.

3. Hosting a national conference to share best practices related to mass violence incident response.

The award period is from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026. MUSC has partnered with several national organizations as sub-awardees, including the National Center for Victims of Crime, Police Executive Research Forum, International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Emergency Managers, University of California Los Angeles, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, National Governors Association, and The CNA Corporation, to assist with training, outreach, and resource dissemination activities.

The office for victims of crime (OVC) established the national mass violence victimization resource center (nmvvrc) in 2017 at the medical university of south carolina (musc) to help OVC improve our nations capacity to respond to mvis. The purpose of this application is to continue nmvvrcs activities. Major goals are to: 1) continue/expand nmvvrcs development and implementation of evidence-based best practices addressing BH/MH needs of MVI victims; 2) assume responsibility for the improving community preparedness to assist victims of mass violence: training technical assistance project (ICP-TTA); and 3) host a national conference convening stakeholders to share best practices related to MVI response. There are eight objectives, each with associated deliverables. Activities include: 1) training, education, consultation, and technical assistance; 2) producing materials addressing BH/MH effects of mvis, hate-motivated mvis, unmet victim needs, and related topics; 3) using technology to leverage access to training materials focused on improving BH/MH services for MVI survivors via online courses, a comprehensive website, and self-help apps for survivors and others impacted by mvis; 4) completing/operating the online aeap application portal and virtual resiliency center; 5) conducting community-based learning collaboratives; 6) advancing the ICP-TTA project by providing community assessments, resources, and TTA that facilitate capacity to address MVI victims needs in community emergency response plans; and 7) hosting a national conference. A distinguished group of partner organizations and subject matter experts will assist nmvvrc staff in completing activities/deliverables.