| 
						
						
							
							
							Lincoln Daily News 
							welcomes letters of appreciation, information and 
							opinion on matters pertaining to the community. 
							 
							  
							
							
							Controversial issues: 
							
							
							As a 
							community we need to be able to talk openly about 
							matters that affect the quality of our lives. The 
							most effective and least offensive manner to get 
							your point across is to stick to the issue 
							and refrain from commenting on another person's 
							opinion. Letters that deviate from focusing on the 
							issue may be rejected or edited and marked as such. 
                | 
                    You may also send your letters by email to  
                    ldneditor@lincolndailynews.com 
                    or by U.S. postal mail:
                     
              Letters to the EditorLincoln Daily News
 520 Broadway Street
 Lincoln, IL  62656
 
              Letters must include the writer's 
              name, telephone number, and postal address or email address (we 
              will not publish address or phone number information). 
              Lincoln Daily News reserves the right to edit letters to 
              reduce their size or to correct obvious errors.
              Lincoln Daily News reserves the right to reject any letter for 
              any reason. Lincoln Daily News will publish as 
              many acceptable letters as space allows. | 
        
            | To the editor: Workplace 
			violence is an unfortunate and often overlooked reality in 
			healthcare — even in small, tight-knit rural communities like ours. 
			At Lincoln Memorial Hospital, we’re proud to care for our neighbors, 
			but we also recognize that healthcare workers face increasing risks 
			on the job, from verbal threats to physical harm. Nationally, 
			healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience 
			workplace violence than employees from any other industry. 
			Unfortunately, we’re seeing a similar situation play out at LMH. 
 That’s why April is so important. It’s Workplace Violence Prevention 
			Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, educate our colleagues 
			and community, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe, 
			respectful environment for everyone who walks through our doors — 
			patients, visitors, and colleagues alike.
 
 Violence in healthcare settings not only affects the well-being of 
			our caregivers but also erodes morale and trust. In rural hospitals, 
			where resources are limited and teams are small, the impact can be 
			especially profound.
 
 [to top of second column in this letter]
 | 
            
            
             We’re taking steps to address this issue — through 
			colleague training, stronger reporting systems, security 
			enhancement, strong partnerships with local law enforcement and 
			policies that support prevention and response. But we also ask for 
			your help. Treat healthcare workers with kindness and patience. 
			Speak up when you see something concerning. And support initiatives 
			that prioritize the safety of those who dedicate their lives to 
			caring for others.
 At Lincoln Memorial Hospital, we believe everyone deserves to feel 
			safe at work — especially those caring for the health of our 
			community. Let’s stand together for safety, respect, and compassion.
 
 Sincerely,
 
 Dolan Dalpoas
 Lincoln Memorial Hospital
 President and CEO
 [Posted 
            
            
            April 03, 2025]
             
            
            
			Click here to send a note to the editor about this letter.
			 |