Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program at UnityPoint Health – Meriter changes name
Now known as Forensic Nurse Examiner Program
MADISON, Wis. — UnityPoint Health – Meriter is changing the name of its Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. It will now be known as the Forensic Nurse Examiner program to better reflect the full scope of services provided to the community.
“While the majority of patients we work with have been victims of sexual assault, our specially trained nurses provide far more to our community than what ‘SANE’ describes,” said Kim Curran, Co-Coordinator of the program. “Our nurses care for domestic, child and elder abuse victims; perform suspect exams; train law enforcement; and serve as expert witnesses in court, among our many duties.”
The Forensic Nurse Examiner Program will continue to be housed within Meriter’s Emergency Department. It is available 24/7 to anyone who needs help, regardless of insurance providers. Filing a police report is optional, unless the victim is a minor.
Key Facts
- The program served a record 518 people in 2015
- This is the only such program in Dane County and one of the only programs in Wisconsin with the skill level to see pediatric patients, many of whom travel 2-hours for care
- Victims are connected with community resources, like Rape Crisis Center, DAIS and Project Respect
- More than 60 law enforcement agencies refer patients to the program annually
