The Carle Health Security Department has earned the Program of Distinction recognition from the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS), an honor that recognizes healthcare security departments committed to professional excellence, staff development and industry best practices.
While the recognition marks an important milestone, it also shines a light on a team whose work is often behind the scenes but essential to supporting patients, visitors, team members and care teams across Carle Health.
“Safe care doesn’t happen by accident,” said Matthew Kolb, chief operating officer for Carle Health. “Our Security team helps create the environment that allows patients, visitors and caregivers to focus on what matters most. This recognition is a reflection of their commitment and professionalism.”
The recognition reflects years of work to strengthen and standardize security operations across Carle Health.
When Keith McGlen, vice president of Security and Emergency Management, joined the
organization, multiple security programs existed across the system, each with different job descriptions, training requirements, competency assessments, uniforms, equipment and operating practices. As Carle Health continued to grow, the Security team recognized an opportunity to develop a more consistent approach that better aligned with healthcare security standards and the needs of a modern health system.
Over the past several years, the department has worked to align security operations across the organization by establishing common expectations, strengthening training and competency requirements, creating career development opportunities and updating policies to support consistent practices systemwide. Security leaders also incorporated nationally recognized certifications into leadership and advancement pathways, helping team members build specialized healthcare security expertise while creating new opportunities for professional growth.
“Security is not separate from healthcare. We are part of the team that makes healthcare possible,” McGlen said. “Whether we’re helping a patient find their way, assisting a family member, supporting a caregiver or responding to an emergency, our responsibility is to help create an environment where safe, high-quality care can happen. This recognition belongs to the people who do that work every day.”
Today, security professionals support patients, visitors and team members across Carle Health hospitals, clinics and facilities. Their responsibilities range from emergency response and de-escalation to visitor assistance, workplace safety and collaboration with clinical teams during challenging situations.
The IAHSS Program of Distinction recognizes departments that invest in professional development, maintain rigorous training standards and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. According to IAHSS Vice President and Treasurer John K. Oast, Jr., MS, CHPA, “This is a huge accomplishment and reflects the dedication of Carle Health, its security department and its executive leadership to maintain a safe and secure environment for the organization’s patients, visitors and staff.”
More than 70% of Carle Health Security professionals now hold IAHSS certifications, reflecting the organization's commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence.
As Carle Health continues to evolve, the Security Department remains focused on advancing the profession, supporting team members and creating the safe environments that help make exceptional care possible every day.
While the recognition marks an important milestone, it also shines a light on a team whose work is often behind the scenes but essential to supporting patients, visitors, team members and care teams across Carle Health.
“Safe care doesn’t happen by accident,” said Matthew Kolb, chief operating officer for Carle Health. “Our Security team helps create the environment that allows patients, visitors and caregivers to focus on what matters most. This recognition is a reflection of their commitment and professionalism.”
The recognition reflects years of work to strengthen and standardize security operations across Carle Health.
When Keith McGlen, vice president of Security and Emergency Management, joined the
organization, multiple security programs existed across the system, each with different job descriptions, training requirements, competency assessments, uniforms, equipment and operating practices. As Carle Health continued to grow, the Security team recognized an opportunity to develop a more consistent approach that better aligned with healthcare security standards and the needs of a modern health system.Over the past several years, the department has worked to align security operations across the organization by establishing common expectations, strengthening training and competency requirements, creating career development opportunities and updating policies to support consistent practices systemwide. Security leaders also incorporated nationally recognized certifications into leadership and advancement pathways, helping team members build specialized healthcare security expertise while creating new opportunities for professional growth.
“Security is not separate from healthcare. We are part of the team that makes healthcare possible,” McGlen said. “Whether we’re helping a patient find their way, assisting a family member, supporting a caregiver or responding to an emergency, our responsibility is to help create an environment where safe, high-quality care can happen. This recognition belongs to the people who do that work every day.”
Today, security professionals support patients, visitors and team members across Carle Health hospitals, clinics and facilities. Their responsibilities range from emergency response and de-escalation to visitor assistance, workplace safety and collaboration with clinical teams during challenging situations.
The IAHSS Program of Distinction recognizes departments that invest in professional development, maintain rigorous training standards and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. According to IAHSS Vice President and Treasurer John K. Oast, Jr., MS, CHPA, “This is a huge accomplishment and reflects the dedication of Carle Health, its security department and its executive leadership to maintain a safe and secure environment for the organization’s patients, visitors and staff.”
More than 70% of Carle Health Security professionals now hold IAHSS certifications, reflecting the organization's commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence.
As Carle Health continues to evolve, the Security Department remains focused on advancing the profession, supporting team members and creating the safe environments that help make exceptional care possible every day.
Categories: Culture of Quality
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