Hospitals spent $18.3B in 2023 managing violence: AHA report

Modern Healthcare  – Sunday, June 1, 2025
By Alex Facik and Tim Broderick

Hospitals spend billions of dollars a year managing patients and staff who face assault, murder, suicide, shootings and other violent acts, according to a new report commissioned by the American Hospital Association.

Providers spent $18.3 billion in 2023 to prevent and prepare for violence, treat patients and grapple with violence-related fallout such as staff turnover and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to estimates from the University of Washington. Researchers used Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data and other sources to trace roughly three-quarters of the costs to treating patients with violent injuries.

Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in 2024 declared firearm violence a public health crisis as gun deaths and injuries have increased over the past decade. Hospitals are trying to work more closely with community organizations to limit gun violence, executives said.

Researchers said hospitals should bolster emergency management policies, build community partnerships and education campaigns, upgrade security systems and ensure there is adequate lighting and clear exit routes in their facilities. These types of preventative measures cost hospitals $3.62 billion in 2023, according to the report.

Access this article at its original source.