Event to Focus on Stopping Violence Against Health Care Workers

May 10. 2023

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – Threats against health care workers are rising. To educate and inform employees on how best to protect themselves from aggressive behavior and violence, a Healthcare Violence Prevention Fair will be held in the hospital’s main lobby, at 736 Battlefield Blvd., North, in Chesapeake, on Thursday, May 11, beginning at 11 a.m.

Employees will gather to hear Julie Dime, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association Vice President of Government Advocacy, speak about VHHA safety initiatives throughout the state. Emily McLaughlin, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, will speak about victim rights. Reese Jackson, President & CEO will give opening remarks. An educational fair for employees will immediately follow.

“Hospitals are places of healing, but unfortunately, health care professionals across the country are finding themselves the recipients of aggressive behavior,” said Jackson. “We need to support our caregivers by teaching techniques that de-escalate violent situations so that we can create a more caring and respectful environment.”

To protect its frontline staff, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare has launched a Workplace Violence Protection Taskforce to advance its culture of safety while educating employees about how to reduce the risk of violence and de-escalate volatile situations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of injuries from violent attacks against medical professionals grew 63% from 2011 to 2018. In a 2022 survey by National Nurses United, 48% of the more than 2,000 responding nurses reported an increase in workplace violence — more than double the percentage from a year earlier.

From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Healthcare Violence Prevention Fair will continue, with representatives from the Employee Health & Wellness, Behavioral Health, Human Resources, Pastoral Care and Risk Management departments providing education and support regarding room safety, de-escalation techniques, victim support and stress management.