Dear Colleagues, Yesterday’s attack at a hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma is yet another of the daily tragedies inflicted by gun violence in our nation. That this murder took the lives of health care professionals, in a workplace just like the sites we work in each day, reminds us that we must ensure that our GW workplaces are as safe as they possibly can be, and that we all are prepared as possible should a threat be present.
While security systems and protection are in place at the GWUH and the MFA sites, we are reappraising and bolstering some security measures within our buildings and clinics as follows.
As of today, the following measures to enhance the safety and security of our community will include:
MFA
- Extra security guards will be deployed to the two downtown MFA buildings located at 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue and the 2300 M Street. This will enhance the security we have on hand each day.
- I.D. checks will be mandatory for anyone entering the 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, 2300 M and the 2120 L street locations.
- For all MFA satellite and community practices, MFA operations is in contact with each of the building operators to ensure emergency plans are in place.
- In person active assailant trainings will be scheduled for the coming weeks. Information on accessing that training will be provided in the coming days.
- Learning modules for the MFA are available for active assailant training.
GW Hospital
- GW Hospital employs a large security team that protects staff, patients and visitors throughout the hospital and on hospital grounds.
- Mandatory ID checks are required for all employees, patients and visitors who enter the building.
- GW Hospital Security partners with GW police department and DC Metro Police to provide additional resources and officers when needed.
- Emergency operations plans are in place and are frequently reviewed with staff.
- Hospital-wide active shooter training was recently completed for all staff.
- Hospital security is working with individual hospital units to strengthen security measures.
Ross Hall
- Building Security: Ross Hall is and will remain a secured building. A security officer is stationed at the front desk at all times. Anyone entering the building is required to scan their GWorld Card and show the image to the security guard, and all visitors to the building must be signed in by a GWorld Card holder with approved Ross Hall access. Moving forward, SMHS leadership will be evaluating our current building security to ensure that we continue to provide the safest possible environment for our students, faculty, and staff.
- Active Assailant Training: GW University currently offers active shooter training upon request to all members of the university community. SMHS will partner with the university security team to offer on-site active shooter training in Ross Hall in the coming weeks.
We take safety in our workplaces very seriously and will continue to work with the University and GW Hospital security to ensure we are providing the highest level of security for our community.
Additionally, list below we share a list of resources available to you should you wish to seek assistance or support during this time.
With gratitude for your service,
Barbara Lee Bass, MD Professor of Surgery Vice President for Health Affairs Dean, GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences The George Washington University CEO, The GW Medical Faculty Associates
Kimberly Russo CEO, The George Washington University Hospital Group Vice President, Acute Care - DC Region, Universal Health Services
*Please find Employee Assistance resources below:
- GW Resiliency and Well-being Center (R&W Center) provides support groups or individual consults, including those designed to connect with your spirituality/faith. The R&W Center has resource pages on anxiety, stress management, and grief.
- GW University Employees: Employee Assistance Program
- Hotline (866-522-8509)
- All GW MFA Employees: MFA EAP is through SupportLinc Call: 888-881-LINC (5462)
- SupportLinc website (username: mymfa)
- All GW Hospital Employees: Employee Assistance Program (800-932-0034)
- All Health Care Workers: DC Physician Health Program (256-673-2747)
- GW Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (202-741-2900)
