Franciscan Health Olympia Fields partners with Athena Security

AUSTIN, Texas — Athena Security has announced Franciscan Health Olympia Fields hospital in Chicago's South Suburbs will utilize Athena Security's weapons detection platform.

Athena cited health care professionals experiencing the highest rates of workplace violence of any private industry sector as impetus for the partnership. Franciscan Alliance is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest with 12 hospital campuses in Indiana and Illinois, including Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, with more than 19,000 employees.

"As a healthcare staff, we know all too well the violence that happens in our place of work," said Agnes Therady, PhD, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for Franciscan Alliance. "We can all give a collective sigh of relief that Athena Security is always on, always looking out to keep us protected while we care for our beloved community."

Testimonial from Franciscan Health Olympia Fields said the system effectively detects various types and levels of threats on a regular basis that could not otherwise be detected by security officers alone.

"Athena Security is very pleased to ensure the safety of patients and staff at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields with the addition of our AI weapons detection platform to support security operations and processes," said Michael Green, Athena Security CEO. "Alerting security staff to firearms, knives, and tasers, as well as non-cooperative visitors, the Athena Security system can allow cell phones and car keys to pass, decreasing the number of people detained for further inspection."