A chaotic scene unfolded in the emergency room at SOMC when a woman began screaming, taunting, and threatening hospital staff, forcing police to step in — and raising alarm bells about the growing threat of violence against healthcare workers.
Officers arrived to find Jossalyn Johnson behaving aggressively, despite already being out on bond for resisting arrest and obstruction of official business. Authorities contacted her probation officer, who warned Johnson could be headed back behind bars.
But the situation got complicated.
Hospital staff initially refused to release Johnson into police custody after learning she would be taken straight to jail. It wasn’t until security had her sedated and medically cleared that she was finally turned over to officers and booked into jail on charges of aggravated menacing and assault.
She’s scheduled to appear in court on August 5.
🩺 The Growing Danger Facing Healthcare Heroes
Incidents like this aren’t rare. Across the country, nurses, doctors, and ER staff are reporting more cases of physical and verbal assaults — often from the very people they’re trying to help.
➡️ According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in any other industry.
👩⚕️ Common threats include:
- Verbal abuse and threats
- Physical assaults
- Sexual harassment
- Intimidation and stalking
💡 What’s being done?
Many hospitals are pushing for stronger laws and better training, while some states have passed legislation making it a felony to assault a healthcare worker.
🚨 If you witness or experience violence in a healthcare setting:
- Alert security or law enforcement immediately
- Document the incident
- Advocate for charges when appropriate
- Support your colleagues — and speak up
Healthcare workers are the front lines of our communities — and they deserve protection, not punishment.