CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — OhioHealth is ramping up security across its network, announcing that metal detectors will be installed at public entrances of all hospitals and emergency departments by the end of 2025. The move is aimed at protecting patients, associates, and visitors, while preventing workplace violence in healthcare settings.
OhioHealth Berger Hospital in Circleville became one of the first to launch the new screening measures on September 3, now requiring all visitors, associates, and providers to pass through detectors at its front entrance.
In total, the health system will add metal detectors at 26 care sites. The initiative is part of OhioHealth’s ongoing effort to maintain a weapons-free environment amid rising violence in the healthcare industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers are five times more likely to face workplace violence compared to other professions.
“The safety of our patients, visitors, and associates is of utmost importance to us at OhioHealth,” said Todd Wickerham, Vice President of Security and Protective Services. “While we have always prohibited weapons from entering our care sites, this is an active measure to make sure that’s the case.”
Officials noted that the screening process only takes a few moments and does not delay patient care.
OhioHealth, a not-for-profit system based in Columbus, operates 15 hospitals, three joint-venture hospitals, one managed-affiliate hospital, and more than 200 ambulatory sites across 50 Ohio counties.
