The Rural Healthcare Crisis: Violence, Drug Seekers, and More Are Putting Pressure on Rural Clinics and Hospitals!

Our office gets calls about this weekly, and I can attest to the growing challenges that healthcare professionals face. From violence to drug-seeking behavior and more mental health problems, healthcare workers in rural areas are under immense pressure.

One of the biggest issues that we see in the healthcare industry is the rise of violence against healthcare workers. Nurses and doctors have always been at risk of being harmed by violent patients or visitors, but the problem is becoming more widespread. In rural areas, the issue is compounded by the fact that law enforcement is often farther away and response times are longer. As a result, healthcare professionals are more likely to be on their own when confronted by an aggressive individual.

Another issue facing the healthcare industry is drug-seeking behavior. With the opioid epidemic continuing to ravage rural communities, many people are turning to hospitals and clinics to get their fix. This puts healthcare professionals in a difficult position because they want to help their patients, but they also have a duty to protect themselves and others. Furthermore, drug-seeking behavior can escalate quickly into violence, putting everyone at risk.

Mental health problems are also on the rise in our society in general. With the pandemic exacerbating existing issues like depression and anxiety, healthcare professionals are seeing more patients struggling with mental health issues. This puts a strain on already overworked healthcare workers, who may not have the training or resources to deal with these complex cases.

So, what can you do to address these challenges? As a security professional, I believe that the key is to invest in training, technology, and resources that can help healthcare professionals protect themselves and their patients. Here are three simple actions that healthcare facilities can take to start improving their security:

1. Conduct regular security risk assessments: Healthcare facilities need to understand the risks they face in order to develop effective security plans. Regular security risk assessments are the key to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize areas for improvement.

2. Provide ongoing training for healthcare professionals: Training is essential for healthcare workers to be able to identify and manage potential security threats. Training should cover topics like de-escalation techniques, self-defense, and emergency response protocols.

3. Invest in security technology: Healthcare facilities should leverage technology to enhance their security posture. This could include things like video surveillance, access control systems, and panic buttons that can alert security personnel in an emergency.

4. Small team planning and response has to become a priority in healthcare settings. As first responder response time increases, it is necessary for the people "on the front line" of healthcare providers to be able to support one another, and help their staff and patients. Many situations can be resolved and de-escalated, it simply takes a small commitment of effort and solid, continuing education.

Obviously, the challenges facing the healthcare industry are complex and multifaceted. However, by taking a proactive approach to security, healthcare facilities can better protect their employees and patients. As someone who works with these communities more and more, I urge all healthcare facilities to prioritize security training, invest in technology, and conduct regular security risk assessments to stay ahead of emerging threats.