Birmingham Council approves ordinance to continue hospital-linked violence intervention program

The Birmingham City Council on July 14 approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Jefferson County Board of Health to continue the Hospital-Linked Violence Intervention Program (HVIP).

The ordinance, presented as Item 33, authorizes the city to accept board funding to continue inpatient HVIP services through June 30, 2027. The program—under which the Defender Alumni Association will provide case management, education, employment support, housing assistance, food, utility and transportation services—was presented with a funding amount described in the meeting as not to exceed $1,154,574. Council President Alexander moved the item to a vote after the item was read into the record, and the council approved the ordinance by roll call.

Council discussion on the floor was limited and largely supportive. Councilor Daryl O'Quinn thanked the nonprofit and health partners for their work; other councilors voiced appreciation for the program's impact on returning citizens and community reintegration services. No amendments or conditions were recorded on the council floor during the vote.

The ordinance was presented as a continuation of an existing program; staff noted it is an item of permanent operation. The council did not provide a detailed line-item budget in the public discussion; the motion as recorded authorized the mayor to execute the interlocal agreement consistent with Alabama law referenced during the reading.

Next steps: the mayor's office will execute the agreement and the city will manage the award or funding through the appropriate grant and contract offices.