Hospitals across the nation joined forces June 8 to help promote the American Hospital Association’s “Hospitals Against Violence” day of aware. Social media channels were filled with the hashtag #HAVhope, which had a reach of over 900,000 on Twitter.
Several South Dakota hospitals participated in the day of awareness by posting to social media promoting awareness of violence in health care facilities and communities, plus many also hold training throughout the year or have installed additional security measures in their facilities. Blythe Smith, interim co-administrator at the Faulkton Area Medical Center, shared that they have installed panic buttons in various locations throughout their facility, plus they have held an active shooter drill that involved the entire facility.
The Brookings Health System also recently partnered with the Brookings Police Department, Brookings County Sheriff’s office, South Dakota State University Police Department, the South Dakota High Patrol, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation and the Brookings Fire Department to hold their annual active shooter drill at their facility. The drill included assessment and treatment of multiple shooting victims, while an active shooter was sought in the hospital by law enforcement. The hospital was open during the entire drill, which provided a unique perspective for hospital visitors.
To learn more about the AHA’s campaign and to view additional resources, click here.
