As concerns over violence towards healthcare workers increase, some health systems are taking an innovative approach and utilizing a new AI-powered weapons detection system. A large, multi-campus health system in a major U.S. city began using the Athena Security Apollo 500 AI-driven concealed weapons detection system in Illinois in 2024. Since then, they’ve successfully detected and kept out hundreds of weapons that otherwise could have entered their healthcare facilities.
The Illinois-based health system, which wished to remain anonymous for security, detected nine firearms and four knives in the first month alone. One of those firearms was detected within 30 minutes of the system going online. Using the Athena Security system, the health group prevented more than 20 firearms and nearly 180 knives from entering their facilities in 2025. So far in 2026, five firearms and more than 40 knives have been detected.
Raymond Martinez, a security expert with over 20 years of experience in healthcare security, said these results demonstrate a significant increase in safety for healthcare workers, patients and patients’ loved ones. “With the rise in workplace violence incidents affecting healthcare organizations nationwide, many caregivers have grown tired of awareness-only campaigns such as ‘See Something, Say Something.’ Although these programs have value, healthcare professionals are seeking other solutions that actively enhance safety.”
A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report found that nearly 73 percent of all non-fatal workforce violence incidents occurred in the healthcare and social assistance industries. Nearly 60 percent of nurses have left their job, or considered leaving their job, due to workplace violence.
Lisa Falzone, Athena Security’s co-founder and president, said the results speak to their commitment to creating safer workspaces.
“I’m so proud that what began as a desire to address the issue of school shootings to make a safer world for my daughter has had this level of impact in the healthcare space,” she said. “All employees deserve to feel safe going to work every day. By leveraging our expertise in the security space and utilizing emerging technology like AI, we’ve created a weapons detection system that is potentially saving lives.”
Martinez said some health systems’ security operations are largely reactive, rather than proactive.
“The Athena system is a visible and effective layer of protection. Its ability to detect, identify, and prevent weapons from entering the facility generates measurable results that can be quantified and reported, demonstrating a clear commitment to safeguarding employees, patients, and visitors.”
According to the health system’s employee survey, a mere 17 percent reported feeling “safe” or “very safe” when coming to work prior to implementation. After the Athena Security system was installed, that number rose to 68 percent, with over 87 percent of employees believing that the weapons screening program had reduced the likelihood of a dangerous incident from occurring.
For information, visit athena-security.com
