Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) held a Memorial Service for Recent Victims of Violence in America and the World on Wednesday to give faculty, staff and students an opportunity to reflect and share their thoughts and feelings about recent national events that have resulted in violent and senseless deaths.

With approximately 10 million square feet of building space, along with acres of land outside its hospitals, clinics and research facilities, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is an enormous maze of hallways and busy streets that are frequented by millions each year.

The AlertVU desktop alert program was recently expanded to include more than 6,300 clinical workstations at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The Vanderbilt University Police Department has established a new unit dedicated to preparing for and managing emergency situations, such as those related to severe weather, large special events, dignitary visits and Vanderbilt sporting events and concerts.

Police Chief August Washington and Corey Slovis, chairman of emergency medicine, headed to Legislative Plaza to voice opposition to a bill in the Tennessee State Legislature that threatens the ability of the Vanderbilt Police Department to protect the campus.

The new 24-7 communications office will be available for emergency walk-up day or night.