Hospital to grow sex assault examiner program
Mclaren Central Michigan, the 118-bed hospital serving the entire central region, has earned a significant grant in order to continue its Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, SANE, program.
Unique to the region, nurses with the program are specially trained in forensic examinations of victims of sexual assaults.
The grant, awarded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MDHSS, allows Mclaren Central Michigan to grow and expand the program to surrounding Mid-michigan counties by securing staffing and additional resources.
“Since its inception, nurses in the SANE program have demonstrated their ability to thoroughly support and care for those who’ve been through a significantly traumatic event,” said Robert David, Mclaren Central Michigan president and CEO. “We’re incredibly grateful for the vote of confidence in this program and accept the responsibility of continuing to be the caring and compassionate frontline resource for assault survivors.”
Trained and experienced to assist victims of sexual assault, and available 24 hours a day in the hospital’s emergency department, SANE nurses provide a comprehensive, private exam to document, collect and process any forensic evidence of an assault. They also provide crisis intervention support and referrals to counseling and any needed follow-up medical care.
The program is available to any person 13 years of age and older. Police involvement is not necessary to receive an examination, though nurses encourage and will support victims’ decision to report. SANE nurses can also testify in court.
Based in Isabella County, SANE serves the nine surrounding counties. With the benefit of the MDHHS grant, a phased expansion of the program will see it serving the entire northern half of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
“I’m proud that we were finally able to get this program funded,” said Michigan State Senator Roger Hauck, who was instrumental in securing the grant. “Mclaren Central Michigan has been providing a tremendous service to our community, and I believe our state has an obligation to support those efforts. Health care providers are often the first line of defense against sexual abuse, and their efforts help keep our community safe.”
Individuals needing a SANE examination can contact the Mclaren Central Michigan emergency department at (989) 772-6777.
More information on SANE, what constitutes sexual assault, prevention strategies and other resources, visit mclaren.org/centralsane.