Editor’s note: The following is a letter from the Western Pennsylvania Regional Chief Medical Officers Consortium in reaction to a shooting incident at UMPC Memorial in York that left six people injured and a police officer and the gunman dead.

In April 2022, the Western Pennsylvania Regional Chief Medical Officers (CMO) Consortium called for community, governmental and personal support to combat violence within health care settings.

A basic tenet of optimal care is an open, safe and mutually respectful interaction that promotes health. All seeking care and all a part of giving care — in many roles — want and deserve the assurance that no harm will be intentionally inflicted, that verbal exchanges will be clear and without threat, and that together the best plans and actions can be made.

The event last Saturday in York reminds us about the increased frequency of violence in the health care setting. Those involved are in our thoughts, notably the heroic health care members and peace officers at the site. We want this to cease.

Violence can include verbal assaults, physical interactions and harm. These are reported more often now and degrade the ability to deliver the care all want and deserve. We know frustrations can exist when not feeling well or when in need, but frustration can never justify violence in any of the forms noted.

At our health sites and systems, we are committed to access and safe interactions, and we will always work towards both goals.

We ask for your support. That means never choosing, using or condoning extreme language, threats, uninvited bodily contact, weapons in any form or other forms of intimidation or coercion when in a health care setting. It also means speaking up and out when you see the signs of or events of harm.

As health care leaders, we and our teams want to serve you. Please join us and stand up for ensuring the kind of safe environment we all benefit from each day.