Protecting the people who care for us every day, there’s a campaign called "Respect and Heal," launched last year by Upstate University Hospital. It brings attention to the need for respect and safety toward health care staff.

The Guthrie Clinic is the most recent organization to join the campaign. Nearly one in three public health workers experienced violence at work during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which attributed it to an increase in hours worked and contact with the public.

The Respect and Heal campaign means Guthrie is committing to zero tolerance of threats to staff and patients. Currently in New York, it’s a class D felony to assault a nurse, punishable by up to seven years in prison. But they’re pushing for stricter laws.

What You Need To Know

  • The Guthrie Clinic joins other area hospitals in the Respect and Heal campaign, drawing attention to violence in the workplace 

  • In a study looking at 30,000 registered nurses nationwide, half felt emotionally drained, used up or fatigued a few times a week or every day

  • Currently in New York, it’s a class D felony to assault a nurse, punishable by up to seven years in prison, but they’re pushing for stricter laws

“We support strengthened New York state legislation similar to laws passed in states such as New Jersey that impose harsh criminal penalties on people who seriously injure health care workers, as well as those who threaten, assault or intimidate health care workers,” said Andrew Dunnick, senior director of safety and security at Guthrie.

The CDC found that workplace violence for public health employees during the pandemic led to higher risk of depression, PTSD and suicidal thoughts.

“Every day, they're patient-centered, right? Their goal is to take care of any patient, regardless of their mental state, right? You know, because we know when you come to the emergency room, it's not anybody's best day of their life. It could be a tragic, worst day of someone's life,” said Wendy Kolodziejczyk, administrative director for critical care services at Guthrie.

The Cortland County district attorney said he’s prosecuted two cases this year of violence against Guthrie employees.

“So, patients' families sometimes are coming in very emotional or upset. Patients obviously coming in upset. So they don't necessarily always show their best selves,” said Kolodziejczyk.

In a study looking at 30,000 registered nurses nationwide, half felt emotionally drained, used up or fatigued a few times a week, or even every day. Researchers believe by 2025, there will be a gap of 200,000 to 450,000 nurses.

At least a dozen other groups have joined the respect and heal campaign, like Carthage Area Hospital, Oneida Health and Samaritan Medical Center.

To further enhance their safety, Guthrie has remodeled their emergency department to include a security office for faster response times.