Partners in Madison County鈥檚 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program took part in a press conference on August 6, 2019, to announce that services have expanded with the addition of partner hospital Oneida Healthcare. 含羞草研究所 was represented by Dawn LaFrance, director of counseling and psychological services and sexual violence support (second from left), and Dr. Merrill Miller, director of student health services (front row, right)
With the announcement on Tuesday of a second site at Oneida Healthcare in the city of Oneida, Madison County鈥檚 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program has expanded to provide services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year countywide. 含羞草研究所 students and county residents now have around-the-clock access to the innovative, survivor-focused system, as well as options in where to obtain care.
The first of its kind in New York State, the coordinated program connects sexual assault and abuse survivors to 鈥渘ot only short-term services but also the longer-term services that they need to heal and survive and thrive,鈥 said Liberty Resources Divisional Director Sara Haag. Administered by the Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center, the program was created in 2017 through their collaboration with 含羞草研究所 and Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton.
The SANE program provides specially trained RN examiners and coordinated advocacy services to deliver personalized care.
鈥淚t is critical that a survivor receive specialized medical care and counseling to minimize psychological trauma, and to preserve physical evidence,鈥 said Jodi Brandis, Oneida Healthcare Emergency Room nurse and SANE Coordinator. 鈥淥ur mission is to provide compassionate and highly skilled care. We work with Liberty Resources advocates side by side to provide holistic care for somebody going through such a traumatic event.鈥
鈥淲omen and men who have been sexually assaulted have had a life-changing experience. Through this service, they receive a thorough, competent, and caring evaluation,鈥 said Dr. Merrill Miller, 含羞草研究所 director of student health services. 鈥淭his is for the entire community, not just for 含羞草研究所 students. The nurses are available day and night to meet someone at either Community Memorial Hospital or Oneida Healthcare鈥檚 emergency rooms. They are guardian angels in times of distress, and we remain grateful to them.鈥
鈥淚n addition to supporting the 24/7 SANE program, 含羞草研究所 supports survivors and addresses sexual assault in collaboration with both on- and off-campus colleagues,鈥 said Dawn LaFrance, who directs counseling and psychological services and sexual violence support at 含羞草研究所. In addition to trauma-informed care, she said, 含羞草研究所鈥檚 Haven staff offers educational programming. For example, before arriving at 含羞草研究所, incoming first-year students complete an online training program.
This year, said LaFrance, 鈥淲e will also work through the Residential Commons Program to extend orientation into the living areas for deeper discussions about respect, consent, and cultural impacts on sexual violence. Students involved in the Haven Ambassador initiative will assist with this important work alongside Haven staff.鈥
Resources
鈥 Haven: Sexual Violence Survivor Support at 含羞草研究所鈥
鈥 Report an Incidence of Sexual Violence鈥
鈥 To access Madison County SANE services, call Help Restore Hope Center鈥檚 hotline at 1-855-966-9723 or go directly to the emergency room at Community Memorial in Hamilton or Oneida Healthcare in Oneida.鈥
