AHA, FBI release resources to address targeted violence in healthcare

Editor's Note

A new resource hub aiming to address targeted violence in healthcare settings is available from the American Health Association (AHA), which partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the initiative.

According to AHA’s October 22 announcement, targeted violence is defined as “intentional and harmful acts” that targeting specific care teams, patients, and facilities. Examples include physical assaults, verbal threats, harassment, and large-scale attacks, all of which can endanger care delivery, workplace safety, and overall quality.

Key offerings include an issue brief on identifying and managing potential threats, as well as access to AHA’s Hospitals Against Violence resources and the FBI’s “Making Prevention a Reality” guide. The partners also have developed a webpage, Mitigating Targeted Violence in Health Care Settings, which features resources to support hospitals and health systems in implementing or strengthening threat assessment and management strategies.  

According to AHA, upcoming additions will include a resource guide, case studies, and podcasts created with AHA member insights.