MLK Community Healthcare in LA Installs AI-Powered Weapons Detection System by Athena Security

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Athena Security, a physical security and threat detection company specializing 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 utilizing 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.

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 utilizing 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.”

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. “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.

To learn more about Athena Security, visit www.athena-security.com.

About Athena Security

Athena Security is a technology company focused on AI-powered entryway security solutions for hospitals, schools, corporate campuses, and public venues. Founded by Revel Systems co-founders Lisa Falzone and Chris Ciabarra with Michael Green serving as CEO, the company provides integrated weapons detection, AI-powered X-ray screening, visitor management systems, Ambulance Bay and secondary weapons detection systems, AI agents, telepresence security solutions, and incident reporting platforms designed to improve safety while maintaining operational efficiency and visitor experience. Athena Security continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible and leads the industry in developing advanced weapons detection and security technology. Athena Security is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and San Francisco, California, with a remote office in Jacksonville, Florida. To learn more, visit www.Athena-Security.com.

About MLK Community Healthcare

MLK Community Healthcare is an award-winning nonprofit, safety-net hospital and health system serving 1.3 million residents in South Los Angeles. Since opening in 2015, MLKCH has offered emergency and inpatient services through its 131-bed hospital, as well as primary and specialty care through the MLK Community Medical Group, with practice sites in locations throughout South LA. MLKCH also offers community health education and outreach to improve the health of our community. Visit our website at www.mlkch.org to learn more about us, or visit our Linktree to find us on social media.