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At St. Mary’s County Health Department our program goal is to empower at-risk clients to live a violent-free lifestyle with support and resources from community organizations
The Group Violence Intervention Program is an evidence-based program committed to reducing group-involved gun and homicide violence through focused deterrence. The GVI program focuses on the groups at highest risk for violent victimization and offending. Our program goal is to empower at-risk clients to live a violence-free lifestyle with support and resources from community organizations.
The dedicated professionals of the GVI team have successfully implemented interventions on multiple levels, effecting change and creating positive outcomes.
The Group Violence Intervention Program is an evidence-based program committed to reducing group-involved gun and homicide violence through focused deterrence. The GVI program focuses on the groups at highest risk for violent victimization and offending. Our program goal is to empower at-risk clients to live a violence-free lifestyle with support and resources from community organizations.
GVI focuses on the groups at highest risk for violent victimization and offending, with the intention to keep those in them alive, safe, and out of prison. The GVI partnership communicates directly with group members, conveying a powerful community message about disapproval for violence and in support of community aspirations; concrete opportunities for both immediate and longer-term assistance and support; and clear prior notice of the legal risks associated with continued violence. The partnership then delivers swiftly on these commitments.
21580 Peabody St
Leonardtown, MD 20650
Phone: 301•475•4330
Email: ESMCHD@stmarys.com
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Program Director, Violence, Injury & Trauma Unit
Michelle Pottinger, the Group Violence Intervention Project Manager for St. Mary’s County is committed to making our community safer and improving public safety by reducing gun violence. “I want victims of gun violence to know, there is help.“Our GVI team is dedicated to driving change and offering assistance to those directly impacted by gun violence.” With ongoing collaboration and support from local agencies and stakeholders our goal is to foster resilience, improve community safety, and provide critical resources for individuals affected by violence.
Community Health Outreach Worker
Marcus Johnson, the Community Health Outreach Worker, is a vital member of the GVI Team. He plays a crucial role in connecting individuals affected by violence to essential services such as counseling, employment services, legal support and much more to promote a violence-free life.
“We want GVI program participants to know that support is available to help them navigate and overcome the challenges of gun violence.” Marcus believes “Love is love—let it be the force that drives us to prevent violence and build safer communities.”
Youth Engagement Coordinator
God’s Church of Refuge
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
Detective Sergeant Austin Schultz serves as the lead officer for the St. Mary’s County Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program. His leadership within the St. Mary’s County Criminal Intelligence Unit has played a key role in advancing efforts to combat gun and group violence in the county. With the support of community partners, the Group Violence Intervention Team disrupts cycles of violence and offers resources and assistance to at-risk individuals, making a lasting impact on public safety.
Community Member / Spiritual Advisor
