Ujamaa Place answers trauma calls at Regions Hospital

Troubled Black men come to Ujamaa.

However, often times Ujamaa Place goes to the man.  Such was the case recently. 

Dr. Tom Blee, a trauma surgeon at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, kept seeing case after case of gunshot or stabbing victims in his operating room. Dr. Blee realized many were individuals he saw on a regular basis with consistent violence wounds. He thought about how he could make a positive impact in the serious cycle of life and death violence and gang involvement.

Dr. Blee understood that the cycle of violence needs to be interrupted at this life-threatening moment for the patient, in the hospital. Thus, the framework of Regions LIFEteam was created.  Through the LIFEteam program, at-risk individuals are identified, and encouraged to participate in a “care attack” to begin a positive life transformation.

In a unique partnership, Ujamaa staff is summoned to Regions in a trauma situation to offer assistance, providing an opportunity to talk to the injured man and introduce him to the Ujamaa Program.  Other LIFEteam partners include Urban Ventures, Catholic Charities, YWCA of St. Paul, and Neighborhood House.

Recently, Ujamaa staff answered a LIFEteam call for assistance. A 24-year-old Black man from Chicago was stabbed several times by his girl friend and had been taken to Regions Hospital. The victim is the father of three children who rely on his presence. Ujamaa immediately responded to offer guidance and assistance to help formulate a path for this man to become a contributing member of his community and his family.

Ujamaa provides this man his opportunity for a second chance. 

This is what we do at Ujamaa, one man at a time. 

Save the Date: Transforming Men’s Lives Breakfast, Thursday October 13.

For more information please check out our
website at www.ujamaaplace.org

(651) 528-8006 
1885 University Avenue, Suite 355 
Saint Paul, MN 55104