HomeMy WebLinkAbout121624 - Letter re: Recommendation for Jefferson Healthcare Application of ,o jss Board of County Commissioners
° o� 1820 Jefferson Street� �
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Kate Dean,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3
.-51`1fIN6t
From:Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Date: December 16, 2024
To: Department of Commerce, Washington Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Priority Area Funding 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 applicatio
Sincerely, � _
Kate Dean,Chair, Dist. No. 1 idi Eisenhour, Dist. No. 2 reg Brotherton, Dist. No. 3
Phone (360) 385-9100 jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us