What happened
On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, a patient at a U of U Health medical facility verbally assaulted several members of their treatment team. The staff involved took the necessary steps to de-escalate the situation but were unable to avoid confrontation. This led to the staff calling for an intervention from U of U Health Security to protect the patient, other patients, and staff. During the incident, several members of the medical team were wearing rainbow pins or lanyards signifying their support of the LGBTQ+ community, and the patient used the term “f*****,” a homophobic slur towards the staff on their care team and also threatened to “shoot” the provider.
What is being done
University Police responded and investigated the incident, which was also reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action and the Racist and Bias Incident Response Team (RBIRT) because the patient used homophobic slurs and threatened violence. Though those involved have currently chosen not to file charges, they may choose to do so in the future. However, should the patient return and cause further disruption, U of U Health security will be notified and take appropriate action. U of U Health engages with every patient that demonstrates disruptive and disrespectful behavior and creates a safety plan where appropriate. RBIRT is actively working with U of U Health staff to communicate about the incident.
The U and U of U Health is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion
U of U Health is working to ensure that the victims of this incident – our valued employees—get the proper care and support they need. The U of U Health community will not ignore the recent increase and pervasiveness of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in our state and our country and does not tolerate violent and biased behavior. Creating an equitable, safe, welcoming and inclusive campus is our top priority, and the University will continue to take action against those who undermine our values.
Support and resources
U of U Health has many resources available to support the staff affected directly and they are being referred to the appropriate care.
Any staff, trainees, or faculty needing mental health support can access free services through the Employee Assistance Program (EPA) or call the 24/7 Utah Crisis Line at Huntsman Mental Health Institute1-800-273-8255 or the Utah Warm Line 833-SPEAKUT. The SafeUT Frontline Crisis Text app provides Utah healthcare providers 24/7 confidential access at no cost.