ASHP Statement on UPMC Memorial Shooting

The Feb. 22 shooting at UPMC Memorial reminds us of the devastation caused by gun violence.

It is extremely sad when our healthcare colleagues, who work tirelessly on behalf of their patients, become targets of violence. The healthcare workplace should never be a place where staff fear for their lives.

ASHP mourns the loss of the police officer who reportedly died while protecting the hospital staff. We are grateful that the heroic efforts of all first responders prevented a terrible situation from being even more deadly.

ASHP policies 2017, Role of the Pharmacy Workforce in Preventing Accidental and Intentional Firearm Injury and Death, and 2035, Role of the Pharmacy Workforce in Violence Prevention, affirm that violence is preventable and advocate for violence prevention strategies.

ASHP supports a vision of pharmacy that improves the health and well-being of our neighbors, our communities, and the nation. We will continue to support the profession and work with our healthcare colleagues to counter the societal and public health impact of violence.

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