Ozarks Healthcare Commemorates Sexual Assault Awareness Month with Proclamation Signing

Ozarks Healthcare proudly stands as a beacon of compassionate care for victims of sexual assault, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and supporting survivors as West Plains Mayor Mike Topliff signed a proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of West Plains.

The proclamation signing ceremony, held at Ozarks Healthcare, underscores the health system’s pivotal role in addressing the critical issue of sexual violence within the community. Joined by local law enforcement representatives, Mayor Topliff emphasized the importance of collective action in combating sexual assault and supporting those affected.

“We recognize the profound impact of sexual violence and remain steadfast in our dedication to providing comprehensive care to survivors," Karlee Marvin, Emergency Department Manager and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program Coordinator at Ozarks Healthcare, said. "Our SANE program stands as a cornerstone of our commitment, offering specialized care and support to patients during their most vulnerable moments."

Ozarks Healthcare recently established its SANE program, which consists of a physician and several nurses who completed additional education and training to provide comprehensive care to survivors of sexual assault. SANE nurses and physicians (also referred to as sexual assault forensic examiners) can treat and evaluate patients knowing medical and legal implications of cases of abuse. Along with caring for victims, Ozarks Healthcare’s SANE team gathers forensic evidence, conducts tests and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases, and can facilitate immediate and subsequent services through collaboration with medical professionals and local law enforcement agencies.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the widespread prevalence of sexual violence and its profound public health implications. Throughout April, Ozarks Healthcare is raising awareness through various initiatives, including the prominent display of teal ribbons – a symbol of solidarity and support – across its health system and in collaboration with local law enforcement partners.

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Ozarks Healthcare staff and SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program members stand with local law enforcement as West Plains Mayor Mike Topliff signed a proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of West Plains. 

Willow Springs law enforcement officers post with teal ribbons, the designated representation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, gifted by Ozarks Healthcare’s SANE Program to display on patrol vehicles.