Virtua Health adds Evolv Technology as its weapons detection partner

WALTHAM, Mass. -- Evolv Technology today announced its partnership with Virtua Health, a not-for-profit health system in New Jersey.

Virtua Health will use 14 Evolv Express systems at five of its hospitals and two of its health-and-wellness campuses. So far, the weapons detection technology has been installed at five facilities. Evolv Express uses sensor technology combined with AI to tell the difference between many everyday metal items people carry in their pockets and certain objects that pose a threat.

In a hospital, Evolv’s presence can alert visitors, patients and staff that the hospital is committed to safety, which is particularly important given the prevalence of violence in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers are five times as likely to suffer a workplace violence injury when compared to other professionals.

Evolv Express has proven its immediate positive impact for Evolv’s healthcare customers. Windsor Regional Hospital in Windsor, Ontario, just across the border from Detroit, reported that Evolv detected more than 2,000 weapons at the emergency department in less than six months. After installing Evolv Express in its lobby last October, The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania reported that the system prevented more than 300 weapons from entering the facility in its first three months in use.

Virtua Health learned about Evolv from the Philadelphia Phillies, one of a number of professional baseball teams that partner with Evolv for weapons detection at ballpark entrances.

“Actions speak louder than words and partnering with Evolv demonstrates to our staff, patients and community that violence prevention is one of our top priorities because the safety of those inside our hospitals is paramount,” said Gregory Pease, assistant vice president of security and outpatient services for Virtua Health. “As a former police officer, I’ve seen a number of violence mitigation strategies, and I trust Evolv. The results speak for themselves.”

Virtua Health is at the forefront of gun violence prevention in southern New Jersey. The health system co-sponsored a statewide gun buyback initiative a few years ago, and works with the community to support gun safety education. In Evolv’s second annual Gun Violence in America survey, 36% of Americans said they believe they or someone they love are extremely/likely to encounter an active shooter in their lifetime.

“People have enough on their minds when they’re in a hospital, and whether or not they are safe in that environment should not be a concern,” said Jay Muelhoefer, chief commercial officer for Evolv Technology. “Evolv is proud to partner with Virtua Health to elevate safety and allow the focus in that setting to be on improved health outcomes.”

Evolv’s more than 4,500 systems deployed worldwide help secure leading theme parks, performing arts centers, casinos, places of worship, sports venues and schools, in addition to hospitals.