Discover how Peterson Health, an award-winning hospital, is building a culture of safety and tacking workplace violence for healthcare workers using Commure Strongline.
Peterson Health, based in the heart of Kerrville, Texas, has earned national recognition as a 2025 Chartis Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital and one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work for its 1,600 employees and medical professionals. Many factors contribute to Peterson Health’s excellent reputation among staff and patients–its commitment to safety is one of them.
Healthcare workers face 5 times more workplace violence than those in the private sector. Peterson Health makes staff safety its cornerstone, ensuring that every employee feels secure and supported, with commitment at every level of the organization.
Dan Warner, SVP and General Manager at Commure, sat down with three key leaders from Peterson Health to learn how Peterson’s safety initiatives, and the addition of Commure Strongline, have positively impacted its staff and patient communities:
- Joe Piszczor, Chief Operating Officer
- Kevin Lagrone, Director of Facility and Security
- Mia Monterastelli, Patient Care Technician on the Medical/Surgical Unit
How Peterson Health Uses Commure Strongline to Help Prevent Workplace Violence
Dan Warner: Joe, let’s start with the big picture—why did Peterson Health make staff safety a strategic priority?
Joe Piszczor: Our team is the heart of who we are and their safety aligns across several of our strategic priorities. Healthcare has been the target of many unimaginable attacks over the past few years and the need for a more robust employee safety solution became obvious. As we evaluated our options, the Commure Strongline platform was a great fit for our needs.
Dan Warner: Kevin, when evaluating safety tools, what made Strongline stand out?
Kevin Lagrone: Strongline hit the mark on several fronts. The discreet duress button lets staff call for help instantly without escalating a situation. It provides real-time location tracking during alerts, so our team knows exactly where to respond. The proximity alerts mean nearby colleagues can intervene to de-escalate right away, even before security arrives.
It also integrated well with our existing infrastructure—including outdoor areas—and the 24/7 support from the Commure team has been a true level of partnership.
Dan Warner: How has Strongline changed the way Peterson Health responds to workplace violence or safety incidents?
Kevin Lagrone: It’s been a game changer. With Strongline Pro, our staff can discreetly call for help with just a button press—so we’re able to intervene much faster when something escalates. With enhanced location tracking which helps our security team respond exactly where they’re needed.
Another big improvement is Proximity Alerts. Nearby staff get notified right away, which means help can arrive even before security gets there. That immediate support can often de-escalate situations before they get worse.
We also use Strongline’s reporting tools to track incidents and identify trends. That data helps us improve our protocols and training. And because we involved frontline staff in the rollout, the system reflects their needs—it’s practical, trusted, and widely used.
All of this together has made our workplace safer and more responsive. Our teams feel more confident knowing support is always within reach.
Dan Warner: Beyond the tech, how does this system fit into your culture and culture of safety?
Joe Piszczor: Our organizational culture focused on our team. They are what make up Peterson Health. We empower them to put our patients first and we place a strong emphasis on workplace safety. For our workforce, knowing you are physically and psychologically safe is key to fostering a strong culture. The personal duress buttons we deployed allow our team to focus completely on the patients and families we serve.
Dan Warner: Mia, from the front lines, what difference has Strongline made in daily work for you and your coworkers?
Mia Monterastelli: It’s been a big relief in terms of my overall sense of safety. As a PCT working 12-hour shifts, and having up to 12 patients at a time, each and every room I go in is different from the next. There are times when patient care puts me in vulnerable, potentially unsafe situations.
Since we implemented Strongline, I’ve experienced less stress and anxiety at work, while giving me the opportunity to help others feel safe as well. I hear a lot of positive feedback from coworkers—many say Strongline has helped de-escalate dangerous situations and even prevented serious injuries.
Dan Warner: If you’re open to sharing, can you recall a specific moment where Strongline made the difference?
Kevin Lagrone: There was one situation in our surgical unit where a nurse encountered an agitated patient who became threatening. She discreetly activated her badge, and nearby staff and security were notified immediately. Thanks to the precise location tracking and instant notifications, help was on the scene in seconds. It didn’t escalate because we were able to intervene quickly.
Dan Warner: Joe, from an organizational perspective, what have you seen since implementing Strongline?
Joe Piszczor: Peterson Health’s vacancy rate and overall turnover rate are below the national average, and these statistics have continued to improve over the past year since implementing Strongline. When people feel safe and supported, they stay. Strongline, along with our other 24/7 security and safety measures, has made a big impact there. It shows our employees that Peterson Health is strongly committed to keeping them safe.
Dan Warner: Final thoughts for other health systems looking to address workplace violence—what’s the takeaway from Peterson Health’s approach?
Joe Piszczor: Addressing workplace violence is about creating a proactive, system-wide culture of safety. For us, that meant investing in the right tools, like Strongline, and backing them with leadership commitment and staff involvement. When your team knows you have their back, it transforms morale, retention, and the overall care environment.
Learn more about how Commure Strongline can help your organization prevent workplace violence and protect your staff.