Workplace violence in healthcare is a growing crisis, with over 80% of nurses experiencing violence in 2023, leading to increased burnout and turnover. This session explores a multidisciplinary approach to mitigating violence through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, which enhance surveillance, control access, and reinforce territorial boundaries. Drawing on industry reports, empirical research, and C-suite interviews with nine leading health organizations, as well as project case studies, we highlight actionable interventions in design, staffing, and operations. Special attention is given to high-risk areas like psychiatric, emergency, and pediatric units, where tailored solutions can improve staff safety. By integrating environmental design, institutional policy, and community partnerships, this presentation redefines how healthcare spaces can shield caregivers, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and empowered to provide quality care.
Andy Zhulenev_s Video - May 1, 2026.mp4
Chief Operating Officer
Corewell Health
Liz Youngblood is the Chief Operating Officer of Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan, leading operations and strategic implementation for the East Region, which encompasses eight hospitals across three counties and 33,000 team members.
Liz joined Corewell Health in May 2024 after serving in executive roles for both regional and national health systems, leading initiatives and teams that helped improve outcomes and experience for patients, staff, and providers. Liz has diverse leadership experience spanning for-profit, academic, and nonprofit health systems, with expertise in strategic planning and implementation, organizational growth, population health management, and operational excellence.
Before joining Corewell Health, Liz served as the SVP/COO of the Texas Division of CommonSpirit Health, which comprised 17 hospitals, and led their flagship academic, Level 1 trauma center in Houston. Liz also served in regional executive roles for Baylor Scott & White Health, based in Dallas, TX.
Liz is a registered nurse with credentials from the Ona M. Wilcox School of Nursing. In addition, she holds a bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Liz is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and has served on multiple boards and volunteered in the community, including serving as the Houston American Heart Association Go Red for Women campaign chair and chair of the Quality Texas Foundation, which administers the Texas Award for Performance Excellence based on the national Malcolm Baldrige criteria.