HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of Support re: Jefferson Healthcae Application - 091624 cov
Board of County Commissioners
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Kate Dean, District I Heidi Cisenhour, District 2 Greg, Rrotherton, District
Date: September 16, 2024
From:Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
To: Department of Commerce, Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Innovation Fund Review Committee
Re: Recommendation for Jefferson Healthcare Application
Jefferson County enthusiastically supports Jefferson Healthcare's application for the WA State
Department of Commerce's Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Innovation Fund for use to increase JH's
capacity to provide forensic exams and care to children under age 13.
Sexual assault or violence is a public health and safety issue. Over half of all women and almost 1 in 3
men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. Additionally, 1
in 4 women and about 1 in 26 men have experienced rape or attempted rape. Forensic examinations
should be performed by a SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) or a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse
Examiner SANE) who can provide trauma informed care and document evidence effectively. Many
communities lack access to SANEs.
Jefferson Healthcare's SANE program for those ages 13 and over has proven a vital asset to East
Jefferson County. Expanding the current program to serve youth ages 12 and under would provide
vital, age-appropriate care for young survivors of sexual assault. By offering holistic support and
collaborating with partners, including local law enforcement, the program would increase prosecution
rates, improve local medical support, and increase community safety.
The proposed SANE program expansion leverages strong and established partnerships: Jefferson
Healthcare, Dove House Advocacy Services, and an established local Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
comprising local law, prosecution, advocacy, and child protective agencies, including significant
participation from Jefferson County's Prosecuting Attorney's office, Sheriff's Department and other
County departments. These are anchor organizations here in our community with significant
experience across medical, social, and behavioral services. They are committed to improving access to
critical services in a rural community and are knowledgeable partners to address this work.
Drawing upon these partnerships, Jefferson Healthcare is well positioned to successfully leverage the
grant funds into a sustainable, impactful program to address the sexual assault medical and
behavioral needs of pediatric victims and their families. We strongly support their application for this
grant.
Sincerely,
Kate Dean, Chair, Dist. No. 1 Heidi Eisenhour, Dist. No. 2 Greg roth on, Dis . . 3
Phone (360) 385-9100 f. , , _jefferson.wa.us