Violence Institute of New Jersey-Trauma Center Gunshot Wound Surveillance

The Violence Institute conducts monthly surveillance of all patients treated at University Hospital for gunshot wound (GSW) injuries. This effort has been ongoing since 2004. In 2005, 488 patients were treated for GSW injuries, compared with 432 in 2004. Most patients list their home residence as Newark , Irvington , or East Orange . During 2004-05, the peak of incidents occurred around late December. Most patients enter the Trauma Center on the weekend, and between 11:00pm and 1:00am . The findings were presented at the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma 2005 Annual Meeting, in Atlanta, Georgia (September 22-25). In addition, monthly reports and hotspot maps (2005 hotspot map) are prepared and disseminated each month.