We need to honor some of the most dedicated people among us — our healthcare workers. Nurses, physicians, aides, technicians, and all those who serve in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities. They show up day after day, ready to heal the sick, comfort the worried, and stand by their patients with compassion and expertise.
Yet, despite their vital role, too many of our healthcare workers face threats, violence, and danger simply for doing their jobs. Data shows that this workforce, which represents just about 10 percent of the U.S. labor force, experiences nearly 48 percent of non-fatal workplace violence injuries. In 2018 alone, healthcare and social assistance workers accounted for around 73 percent of non-fatal injuries caused by workplace violence.
Put simply: the risk borne by those who care for us is far greater than most realize.
This is not acceptable — and it must change. When the healers are hurt, we all suffer. When the person who is there to save lives feels unsafe, trust in our system weakens and the quality of care can suffer.
We must stand together — as a community, a state, a society — in support of our healthcare heroes. And we must take concrete steps to ensure their safety and security become a priority.
Here are the pillars of our commitment:
First, strong, consistent protection. Every hospital, clinic, long-term care facility must have effective security plans in place — from trained security personnel to surveillance systems, from panic-response protocols to well-lit, safe physical spaces. We will review standards, allocate resources, and hold facilities accountable to the highest level of worker safety.
Second, prevention through awareness and training. Too often violence comes from stressed patients, overwhelmed families, or unpredictable emergencies. Providing de-escalation training, communication tools, and rapid-response measures will reduce the burden and the risk. The data is clear: verbal threats and physical assaults go hand in hand, and both must be addressed.
Third, culture and collaboration. Healthcare workers are part of our community, and our community must protect them. We must foster environments — not only in hospitals, but in society at large — of respect, gratitude, and peace. Ending violence is not just about fences and cameras — it is about human dignity, support, and a shared commitment to caring for one another.
Fourth, transparency and accountability. It is not enough to recognize the problem — we must measure it, report it, learn from it, and improve. We will build systems that let workers report threats without fear, that track incidents, and that drive change. No more silent statistics. No more ignored danger.
My promise to the caregivers among us is simple: you will not be forgotten. You will not stand alone. Your dedication, your compassion, and your sacrifice will be honored with action. Together, we will build safer hospitals, stronger communities, and a system where those who heal feel secure, respected, and united.
When healthcare workers are safe, the entire community thrives. When they feel supported, our patients feel cared for. When we champion peace and protection for our healers, we champion our own future.
Let us stand together — side by side — in support of our healthcare heroes. Because caring for them is caring for all of us.