Canandaigua, New York — A recent assault on a nurse at F.F. Thompson Hospital has highlighted an alarming trend of violence against healthcare workers and rekindled discussion about potential legislative changes to strengthen pretrial detention for repeat offenders.
On August 18, deputies from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspicious individual at a Byrne Dairy location. They encountered Alyna Ann Lindenau, a homeless woman, who was allegedly found in possession of illegal drugs, leading to a charge of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. After her arrest, she was taken to F.F. Thompson Hospital for a medical evaluation.
While at the hospital, Lindenau reportedly attacked Ehren Strohm, an emergency room nurse, with such force that the impact caused her knee to bend unnaturally. Strohm, who has been part of the nursing staff since 2018, described the injury as severe, leaving her reliant on crutches and unable to work. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree to advance her career but is facing significant setbacks due to this incident.
“This assault has completely flipped my world upside down, both physically and mentally,” Strohm said, reflecting on the impact of the attack on her well-being and professional journey. Her colleagues have also experienced similar assaults, which she underscored as a growing issue in healthcare settings. According to a national survey conducted in 2024, an overwhelming 82% of nurses reported experiencing workplace violence, and nearly half noted an increase in such incidents. The survey additionally indicated that 60% of nurses had considered leaving their positions due to safety concerns.
The staggering statistics highlight that healthcare workers are disproportionately affected by workplace violence, facing assault rates five times higher than those in other professions. In the past year alone, hospitals in the U.S. have allocated over $18 billion toward addressing workplace violence—covering everything from enhanced security measures to medical care for injured staff.
In response to incidents like Strohm’s, state lawmakers are advocating for the introduction of the Pretrial Risk Overview for Threat Evaluation, Custody, and Treatment (PROTECT) Act. This proposed legislation aims to enforce stricter pretrial assessments for defendants charged with violent crimes. Under the provisions of the bill, judges would be required to evaluate the risk of reoffending based on various factors, including prior violent offenses and ties to criminal organizations.
This new initiative is a collaboration between local legislators and advocates for healthcare safety, aiming to address shortcomings in New York’s current bail reform laws. The PROTECT Act would prevent the release of defendants facing serious charges until their risk assessment has been completed, reinforcing the message that violence against frontline workers will not be tolerated.
For Strohm, the legislative discussions surrounding the PROTECT Act are more than just policy; they reflect an urgent need for change. Following her release from the hospital, Lindenau was transferred to the Ontario County Jail for arraignment, and her case will be addressed in the local court at a later date.
Strohm is resolute in her commitment to advocate for better protection measures for healthcare professionals, stating, “I will not be silent or live in fear of this individual. I will continue to fight for her to be held accountable for her actions.” As the conversation around violence in healthcare continues, many hope that incidents like this will catalyze meaningful reform to safeguard workers on the front lines.