NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8th, 2020
Contact: Kellie McClure
Media Liaison
859-618-2017
Ampersand to begin mobile medical SANE program
In response to barriers faced by survivors in our rural communities, Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center, in collaboration with Still Waters Center, Inc. has been awarded $500,000 for a mobile Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) clinic. These funds are to be used over 3 years and will fill a gap in services for rural counties in Central Kentucky, three of which do not have hospitals.
“Sexual violence occurs in every county; survivors in every county, regardless of access to transportation, deserve the right to emergency medical care and the option to complete a SAFE kit, which is instrumental for those who choose to pursue legal justice,” said Director of Development, Heather Darby.
This program will address the unique barriers survivors in our communities face, including access to privacy and lack of transportation. The mobile unit will afford a level of privacy that is not always found in a hospital setting, and will ensure that an advocate is present during the exam if the survivor so chooses.
“I cannot overstate how critical it can be for survivors to have trauma-informed, survivor-centered care in a safe, comfortable, and confidential setting. We are honored and excited to partner with ERs and other community partners to expand the options available to survivors who are trying to decide what is right for their unique needs.” Said Director of Advocacy & Education, Jennifer Johnson
This mobile SANE program will include a mobile medical unit, a Medical Director, and a Collaborations Specialist, whose primary purpose will be to streamline and support medical advocacy programming and partnerships.
“This grant enables Ampersand and Still Waters Center to fill a longstanding gap in access in our rural communities. When we come together to create innovative strategies to meet the needs of our communities, survivors will benefit. This is just one more way that Ampersand will be here to support survivors.” said Executive Director, Shayla Lynch.
More information is forthcoming this fall, including more details regarding this program, it’s needs, and the hiring of the Collaboration Specialist.
Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass is a nonprofit rape crisis center serving Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, and Woodford counties in Eastern Kentucky. For 40 years Ampersand has been working to support survivors and engage communities to see freedom from sexual violence for all of us. Ampersand runs a 24/7 support line and offers free mental health care for survivors including one on one therapy, crisis counseling, group therapy, and community workshops. Ampersand provides medical accompaniment and legal advocacy to survivors in our community and prevention education and trauma-informed training to community members and professionals. Sexual violence occurs in every county; survivors in every county, regardless of access to transportation, deserve the right to emergency medical care and the option to complete a SAFE kit, which is instrumental for those who choose to pursue legal justice.
