We are thankful for the swift action of Dr. Lee Silverman, Dr. Jeffrey Dekret, John D’Alonzo and the other colleagues and visitors who took brave and difficult action during yesterday’s tragic event. We extend our condolences to Theresa Hunt’s family, and we are praying for Dr. Silverman’s speedy recovery. We look forward to Dr. Silverman’s return to serving patients at our hospital. We will do all we can to support the victims during this difficult time.

We continue to work with the Delaware County authorities to understand fully the details of the event. We are reviewing our policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment. We are committed to serving as a compassionate and healing presence in our communities, and we are grateful for the outpouring of community support

via We are thankful for the swift action of Dr. Lee… – Mercy Health System.

The Mercy Health Systems facility in which this shooting happened has a written policy against employees carrying or possessing guns on the premises. With that in mind, it was feared the good doctor would face termination for cause (violation of written policy) but, for the moment, it appears Mercy Health Systems is applying real common sense, recognizing that were it not for doctor Silverman’s actions, the shooter would have killed or injured many more people.

Mom’s Demand Action, the Brady Campaign, and others of their ilk try their best to downplay or dismiss Silverman’s actions because they have long maintained that no such incident ever has or could be stopped by an armed citizen. Even the media are trying their best to find a way, any way, to continue the mantra, “guns are bad,” by finding any psychiatrist they can to confirm what they want you to hear.

“My guess is that arming psychiatrists is more likely to be harmful than helpful,” said DJ Jaffe, executive director of Mental Illness Policy Org…

“I had a holy cow reaction — a psychiatrist with gun in his office!?” said Dr. Stephen Marder, a schizophrenia expert and director of the section on psychosis at the Semel Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. “The idea of a psychiatrist having a weapon in his desk is entirely new to me. I haven’t heard of anything like it before.”

via Psychiatrists With Guns Likely More ‘Harmful Than Helpful’: Experts

I’m no expert but, it would seem Dr. Silverman and his family might disagree with DJ Jaffe. And I’m pretty sure Dr. Marder’s surprise/disgust/shock is of little concern to Silverman as well.  Dr. Silverman made a decision to defend his life and furthermore, made a decision that his employer’s policy was not in keeping with his own right to defend himself. I am not suggesting that one disregard his employer’s policies but, it is clear that sometimes, employers are far more concerned about civil liability than the safety of their employees.

-GM