In recent years, acts of violence have become all too common in our country. Every day, hospitals and health systems across the country care for those injured and impacted.

And unfortunately, caregivers and staff must also be on alert for their own safety within our places of healing. That’s because violence against caregivers is increasing. A study published in 2021 found that 44% of nurses reported experiencing physical violence and 68% reported verbal abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.¹

Horrifically, this hit home in October 2022 when two Methodist Dallas Medical Center employees were senselessly murdered while caring for patients. Our hearts go out to their loved ones and to our colleagues at Methodist.

While we never want to think an incident could happen in our own community, the tragedy at Methodist, and the recent shooting at Allen Premium Outlets, sent shock waves through North Texas.

At Texas Health, we will not stand for violence or intimidation of any kind. While there is no “quick fix,” here’s what we’re doing to address this painful issue in our system.

We have retained a consultant and conducted a security audit across our system, which includes nearly 400 points of access across the Metroplex. Based on their recommendations, we are working with local police, expanding panic buttons in our facilities and conducting training with staff on a variety of subjects, such as de-escalation tactics. Preparing for active shooting incidents and practicing securing our facilities are priorities as well. Moving forward, we’re also standardizing surveillance, evaluating technologies, reviewing visitor policies and more.

There must also be legislation requiring advanced safety measures in hospitals. Texas Health has registered support for House Bill 3547, which would prohibit parolees from hospital visitation unless their assigned parole officer approves the visit ahead of time. Additionally, we continue to advocate for the federal SAVE Act to extend federal protections against workplace violence to healthcare workers, like those afforded to flight attendants and crews.

And here’s what we ask of our community: For the safety of our patients and employees, our campuses must remain weapon- and firearm-free, except for licensed security personnel and law enforcement. While we have increased security, the best thing any of us can do in any situation is stay aware of our surroundings and report anything that does not feel right. We are also calling on you to contact federal, state and local representatives and voice your opinions on legislation that would protect healthcare workers. It takes all of us to advocate for the safety of those who may one day save our lives.

¹ “Fact Sheet: Workplace Violence and Intimidation, and the Need for a Federal Legislative Response,” American Hospital Association (2022)