Boone Memorial Health is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and compassionate environment for every patient, visitor, and employee. As part of that commitment, Boone Memorial Health is providing AVADE® De-Escalation Training to employees throughout the organization.
The training is being led by certified instructors Kohle Maynard and Brandi Adkins, who are equipping team members with practical skills to recognize, prevent, and safely respond to potentially aggressive or escalating situations.
AVADE® is a nationally recognized workplace violence prevention and de-escalation program designed to help employees confidently manage challenging interactions while prioritizing the safety and dignity of everyone involved. The program emphasizes communication, situational awareness, conflict resolution, and safe response techniques that can help reduce the likelihood of workplace violence before it occurs.
Healthcare professionals often encounter emotionally charged situations involving patients, family members, or visitors. By providing AVADE® training, Boone Memorial Health is investing in its employees with evidence-based tools that promote calm communication, improve confidence, and encourage positive outcomes during difficult encounters.
“At Boone Memorial Health, the safety of our employees, patients, and visitors is one of our highest priorities,” said Kohle Maynard, AVADE® Instructor. “This training gives our staff practical tools to recognize early warning signs, communicate effectively, and safely de-escalate situations before they become more serious. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and safe.”
Fellow instructor Brandi Adkins emphasized the value of proactive education and preparation.
“De-escalation is about more than responding to a crisis—it’s about preventing one,” Adkins said. “AVADE® helps our employees build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and approach difficult situations with professionalism and compassion. These are skills that benefit not only our workplace but also the communities we serve.”
The training includes instruction on recognizing behavioral warning signs, verbal de-escalation strategies, maintaining personal safety through situational awareness, setting appropriate boundaries, and responding appropriately if a situation becomes physically unsafe. The program also reinforces teamwork and emphasizes knowing when to seek additional assistance.
Providing AVADE® training is another example of Boone Memorial Health’s ongoing commitment to employee development, workplace safety, and exceptional patient care. By investing in education and preparedness, the organization continues to foster a culture where compassionate care and employee well-being go hand in hand.
Boone Memorial Health is proud to support initiatives that empower employees, strengthen teamwork, and ensure a safe, healing environment for everyone who walks through its doors.
