Hospital Management

CPERS wins DHS grant to develop threat assessment training

CPERS will develop Behavioural Threat Assessment Management training for healthcare organisations across the US.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Public Health’s Center for Preparedness and Emergency Response Solutions (CPERS) part of its $18m Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) grant programme.

CPERS will develop Behavioural Threat Assessment Management training for healthcare emergency managers and healthcare organisations across the nation.

The TVTP grant programme provides monetary support to qualified candidates aiming to establish strategies for preventing targeted violence and terrorism within local neighbourhoods.

It also funds the trial of prevention methods and the discovery of prevention tactics that can be adopted nationwide.

In fiscal year 2024, 35 public health entities applied for the programme compared to three applicants in FY 2023.

CPERS was one of seven selected in FY 2024, with the others being Boston Children’s Hospital, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Oakland Community Health Network, Parents for Peace, Rhode Island Department of Health, Safe States Alliance, Weber-Morgan Health Department and Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Service Board.

The project seeks to build sustainable support for healthcare behavioural threat assessment management professionals through ongoing education and resources. It will provide a crucial resource for healthcare facilities facing increasing risks of violence.

CPERS director Keith Hansen said: “Hospital workers face a variety of risks, from patient-to-caregiver violence to intimate partner violence to family-member violence. This project will help address these risks and ensure safer environments for both patients and staff.

“We are excited to contribute to the world of threat assessment. Healthcare providers devote their lives to helping others. We are thrilled to contribute to keeping them safe.”

CPERS will collaborate with the Association of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professionals (AHEPP) and the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). UNMC police chief Charlotte Evans will join the advisory board to create hospital-specific training addressing the unique challenges faced by healthcare workers.