The Healthcare Workforce Coalition (HWC) commends the American Hospital Association (AHA) for hosting a National Day of Awareness about combatting violence in hospitals and health systems.
This year, on June 7th, AHA is hosting the eighth annual Hospitals Against Violence #HAVhope Friday where hospitals and health systems strive to find solutions for a safer workforce environment for their providers and patients. The AHA’s Hospitals Against Violence framework emphasizes educating and protecting the workforce, particularly aimed at risk mitigation, trauma support, safety culture, and violence intervention to address all types of workplace and community violence.
Violence in the workplace is a growing concern facing nurses, doctors, and medical staff, as violence against healthcare workers is five times higher compared to other industries. In fact, a shocking 68% of nurses report experiencing verbal attacks and 44% report experiencing physical violence at work. Additionally, The Healthcare Security and Safety Foundation reported a 150% increase in violent crimes in hospitals between 2016 and 2021.
To address the epidemic of workplace violence against our frontline healthcare workers, the HWC supports the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584/S. 2768), which would make it a federal crime to assault healthcare workers punishable up to 20 years in jail. We urge Congress to pass the SAVE Act to allow healthcare professionals to focus on patient care without fear of bodily injury or emotional harm.
Let’s #HAVhope that America’s healthcare providers receive the protections they deserve. We stand united with the AHA in advocating for comprehensive violence prevention programs and resources to safeguard our healthcare workforce and ensure the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.