Statement from Ken Haynes, president of the Southeast region for Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health is a part, on Wednesday’s hospital shooting in Atlanta

“Again today, the people of our nation, and the health care community, specifically, lower their heads – in prayer for lives taken away too soon and in profound disappointment that yet another senseless shooting has taken place. We grieve with and for our fellow health care workers at Midtown Atlanta's Northside Hospital and we support and appreciate the work of investigators to hold the person responsible accountable for his actions.

“For our Georgia teammates at Atrium Health Floyd, in Rome, and Atrium Health Navicent, in Macon, we recognize this is deeply personal, as it happened so close to your home. Your leadership teams will continue to demand greater protections to ensure that as you care for patients each day, you won’t have to worry about it being in a safe environment.

“While we can’t possibly know yet what the motivation was behind this latest shooting, we do know that the ongoing occurrences of people turning to acts of violence as the answer to their problems underscores the importance of greater investments into behavioral health – ultimately providing a path for improving health, elevating hope and advancing healing – for all.”