Unlike many industry awards, the OSPAs recognize organizations across the entire security sector, not just health care. This year’s finalists also include organizations in corporate security and higher education, placing HH Health among some of the nation’s most respected security programs.
“Readiness doesn’t happen by accident,” said Brett Bramlett, director of Safety, Security & Parking for HH Health. “I’m incredibly proud of this team and the professionalism they bring to our hospitals every day. They never stop learning. They train constantly, embrace new technology and look for better ways to protect our patients, visitors and employees.”
Team members regularly participate in specialized training, evaluate new technology and collaborate with health care security professionals across the country to strengthen the health system’s approach to safety.
“Our mission is simple: keep everyone on our campuses as safe as possible,” Bramlett said. “We’re always looking for ways to improve. We want to be proactive, not reactive. We’re fortunate to have leaders who believe in that mission and invest in the people and resources that make it possible.”
For clinical teams, that partnership is essential.
“Safety isn’t separate from patient care. It’s part of patient care,” said Arin Zapf, chief nursing officer for Huntsville Hospital. “Our nurses care for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. While most interactions with patients and families are positive, health care can involve emotionally charged situations that require preparation, teamwork and experience. Our Security team is an invaluable partner in helping prevent and de-escalate those situations so our caregivers can stay focused on providing compassionate, high-quality care. We’re incredibly proud of this team and grateful for the work they do every day.”
That comprehensive approach has produced measurable results. Over the past three years, HH Health’s Security team has:
- Reduced workplace violence incidents by 28.3%
- Decreased disorderly conduct among visitors by 26% following implementation of a visitor management system
- Reduced workplace violence in the Emergency Department by 46% following implementation of Alabama’s first hospital-based Security K-9 program
- Trained more than 11,000 employees in de-escalation techniques designed to help prevent incidents before they occur
This progress is especially important as workplace violence continues to be a serious concern in health care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 73% of serious workplace violence cases in private industry occur in health care and social assistance.
The department has also become a leader within the health care security profession. HH Health is home to Alabama’s only International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety Program of Distinction, employs four of Alabama’s five Certified Healthcare Protection Administrators and has required every Security officer to earn Certified Healthcare Security Officer certification before independent assignment for the past 20 years. Department leaders also serve in state and international leadership roles, helping advance health care security standards across the profession.
The Outstanding Security Performance Awards were established in 2015 to recognize outstanding companies, people and innovations across the security profession. The awards are designed to be independent and inclusive, with judging criteria based on research identifying the characteristics of outstanding security performance.
Winners will be announced Sept. 13 during the OSPA Awards Ceremony at Global Security Exchange in Atlanta.