Maui Health launched its Keep It Kind pledge as part of the National Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month in April, raising awareness about the rise in workplace violence cases in healthcare. This pledge encourages patients, families and community members to commit to promoting a culture of kindness and respect for healthcare workers, thereby creating a safer environment for those who devote their lives to caring for others.
A 2018 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that health workers experience five times more workplace violence than workers in other industries, with 73% of all workplace attacks occurring in healthcare settings. Furthermore, more recent research shows that workplace violence in healthcare has increased significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic. These incidents of assaults and violence not only affect staff well-being, but also the overall quality of patient care.
“The reality is that violence against healthcare workers is rising nationwide, and Maui is no exception,” said Marian Hokawa Baath, Maui Health's chief nurse executive. “In honor of National Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month, through Keep It Ked Pledge, we are urging our community to stand with us to protect caregivers.”
As part of the campaign, Maui Health has launched “Just and Above.” This is a weekly series that highlights the lives of staff across the hospital. This series introduces employees not only as healthcare workers, but also as parents, youth sports coaches, volunteers and important members of the Maui community.
“By sharing these stories, we want to remind our patients and our community that the people who provide you with care are your neighbors, friends and loved ones,” Horikawa Baath said. “They're more than their role in the hospital. They're part of Maui's fabric and deserve the same kindness and respect they spread to others every day.”
Community members can obtain Keep It Decient Pledge and view the “Uniforms and above” series at mauihealth.org/pledge. The campaign is shared on social media using the hashtags #keepitkind and #morethanauniform.
