The Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council (DFWHC) Board of Trustees announced today it would observe one minute of silence on Friday, May 12, from 12:00 noon to 12:01 p.m. in honor of the victims of the shootings at Allen Premium Outlets mall. With this being the National Nurses and Hospital week, the DFWHC is asking its member hospitals and community members to join in the moment of silence.

The gesture will be an opportunity for North Texans to reflect on the loss of life over the past year from gun violence. Eight people were killed and seven injured during the shooting in Allen last Saturday, to include three children.

“Gun violence has become a public health crisis in our country,” said Stephen Love, president/CEO of DFWHC. “We need to work together collaboratively to stop these tragic and horrifying incidents. We offer our condolences to the victims and their family members. We ask for a speedy recovery of those injured. We also thank our first responders for their dedication in serving North Texas.”

Love said the moment of silence should be a time for everyone in the community to honor the lives of the victims Daniela Mendoza, 11; Sofia Mendoza, 8; Kyu Song Cho, 37; Cindy Cho, 35; James Cho, 3; Christian LaCour, 20; Aishwarya Thatikonda, 26; and Elio Cumana Rivas, 32.

“The one-minute time frame on May 12 will be an opportunity to create awareness of the increase in gun violence in our community,” Love said. “We would like everyone to consider what they can do personally to reduce this trend. What can we do to stop this public health crisis?”