Athena Security, a specialist in physical security and threat detection through AI-powered solutions, has partnered with MLK Community Healthcare in South Los Angeles to enhance security protocols. The healthcare system has implemented Athena's Apollo 500 Weapons Detection System, an AI-based walk-through device aimed at identifying concealed weapons at bustling entrances such as those in hospitals.
Lisa Falzone, the co-founder and president of Athena Security, highlighted the increased need for such technology amidst rising violence in healthcare settings. According to Falzone, "Everyone deserves to feel safe going to work every day. Likewise, patients and their loved ones should feel at ease when seeking care at their local healthcare facility." She emphasised the platform's potential in saving lives and reducing daily disruptions in healthcare environments.
Threat detection collaboration
The adoption of Athena's technology by MLK Community Healthcare aligns with the upcoming AB 2975 legislation in California, mandating automated weapon detection systems at critical points in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
He further praised Athena's collaborative approach during the installation and testing processes
Trenton Jackson, the Director of Public Safety and Support Services at MLK Community Healthcare, endorsed the system, stating, "When it came time to comply with California’s AB 2975 workplace violence prevention requirements and implement a weapons detection solution, we conducted an extensive evaluation of the available systems. Athena’s Apollo 500 Healthcare Weapons Detection System stood out as the best overall value, combining effective weapons detection with the operational capabilities and healthcare-focused workflows our hospital needed." He further praised Athena's collaborative approach during the installation and testing processes, ensuring seamless integration into hospital operations.
Implementation success
Evidence of the system's efficacy is supported by a case study in Illinois, where Athena's system detected over 200 weapons in healthcare settings during the year 2025.
This success story reinforces the proactive measures taken by MLK Community Healthcare and highlights the critical role of technology in modern healthcare security.
Athena Security, a physical security and threat detection company specialising in AI-powered weapons detection systems, announced today they are working with MLK Community Healthcare, a non-profit healthcare system in South L.A., to improve security measures at their hospital. MLK Community Healthcare is utilising Athena’s Apollo 500 Weapons Detection System, an Al-driven walk-through concealed weapon detection system designed for busy entrances, such as those at hospitals and healthcare facilities.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe going to work every day. Likewise, patients and their loved ones should feel at ease when seeking care at their local healthcare facility," said Lisa Falzone, Athena Security co-founder and president.
Threat detection company
Lisa Falzone, Athena Security’s co-founder and president, said the device offers peace of mind to healthcare providers and patients alike at a time when violence in hospitals and other healthcare facilities is rising across the country.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe going to work every day. Likewise, patients and their loved ones should feel at ease when seeking care at their local healthcare facility,” Falzone said. “By leveraging our expertise in the security space and utilising emerging technology like AI, we’ve created a weapons detection system platform that is potentially saving lives while creating less disruption in the day-to-day activities at healthcare facilities.”
Automated weapon detection systems
The move comes ahead of a new AB 2975 California law requiring hospitals and certain other healthcare facilities to have automated weapon detection systems at key entrances.
“When it came time to comply with California’s AB 2975 workplace violence prevention requirements and implement a weapons detection solution, we conducted an extensive evaluation of the available systems. Athena’s Apollo 500 Healthcare Weapons Detection System stood out as the best overall value, combining effective weapons detection with the operational capabilities and healthcare-focused workflows our hospital needed,” said Trenton Jackson, Director of Public Safety and Support Services at MLK Community Healthcare.
Weapons detection platform
“Throughout the installation and testing process, Athena has been a responsive collaborator. They’ve worked with us every step of the way to ensure that the weapons detection platform technology works as it should and integrates smoothly into our hospital operations.”
Athena Security’s Apollo 500 Weapons Detection System has already been shown to improve security measures at healthcare facilities. A recent case study at an Illinois-based healthcare system found that Athena’s product successfully detected more than 200 weapons at their hospitals in 2025 alone.
