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March 03, 2025 - WEST READING, PA

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Highlights Investments in Community-Based Programs That Are Making Pennsylvania Safer

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis heard today from law enforcement officials, victims service providers and health care workers at Reading Hospital, which recently was awarded more than $600,000 in state grant funding to expand and enhance its hospital-based violence intervention program.

"Gun violence is something we can - and indeed, must - do something about," said Davis, who leads the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). "I want to commend local law enforcement for the work you've done to reduce the number of homicides in Berks County, but I also know that one act of gun violence is one too many. Every Pennsylvanian deserves to be safe and feel safe, whether you live in West Reading or West Hamburg. We've been making progress on the issue of gun violence, in Reading, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and many other cities and communities, but there is still much more work to be done."



Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Dr. Charles Barbera, President & CEO of Reading Hospital gives remarks during Mondays roundtable discussion. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Dr. Charles Barbera, President & CEO of Reading Hospital gives remarks during Mondays roundtable discussion. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Brian Lahmann, Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine Reading Hospital participates in Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Dr. Eugene Reilly, VP, Chief Medical Information Officer of Tower Health participates in Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Dr. Eugene Reilly, VP, Chief Medical Information Officer of Tower Health participates in Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. State Senator Judy Schwank participates in Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. State Senator Judy Schwank participates in Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Dr. Anthony Martin, Trauma Program Manager at Reading Hospital gives remarks during Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams participates in Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_17.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams participates in Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_18.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_19.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Beth Garrigan, Chief Executive Officer of Safe Berks gives remarks during Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_20.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Beth Garrigan, Chief Executive Officer of Safe Berks gives remarks during Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_21.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_22.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA Lt. Gov Davis, and Rep. Cepeda-Freytiz listen as Brian Lahmann, Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine Reading Hospital gives remarks during Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_23.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_24.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz participates in Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_25.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz participates in Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_26.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz participates in Mondays roundtable discussion at Reading Hospital. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_27.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_28.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Reading, PA. Particpants of Monday's roundtable discussion pose for a group photo. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis held a roundtable discussion to talk about the Shapiro-Davis Administrations proposed 2025-26 budget and its investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis leads, recently approved $45 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants. This program supports a wide range of models focused on reducing community violence and relies on community groups that are most in tune with specific local needs. Reading Hospital is receiving more than $600,000 to expand and enhance its Violence Recovery Program. March 3, 2025.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27343_LG_SaferCommReading_AG_29.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>