Sexual Assault Awareness Month “Comfort Kit” Collection Initiative
The ECMC Emergency Department S.A.N.E. (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) program launched a month-long initiative to collect necessary items of comfort for patients who are victims of sexual assault. This collaborative initiative was made possible through the tireless efforts of Dr. Kate Fowler, President of “It Happened to Alexa Foundation”; The BAC for Women; the Buffalo Rotary Club; and guided through the direction of the ECMC S.A.N.E. Nurses, including: Molly Shea, RN, MSN; and Karen Beckman-Pilcher, RN, MSN. Several other community organizations and businesses also contributed to the initiative, including: TJ Maxx, New York State Nurses Association (NYNSA), Body Works, Erie and Niagara Counties, and residents of the Western New York community.
Thanks to the participating Lancaster/Depew organizations, the comfort kits were able to be assembled with the help of the participating organizations and several volunteers at the Northpoint Church on Saturday, April 28th. The ECMC S.A.N.E. Nurses and volunteers were able to assemble over 200 comfort kits and raise $1,000 in cash donations for this very important initiative.
Sexual Assault is a crime. The S.A.N.E. Nurses have made a significant impact on the medical-legal process/outcome for victims of sexual assault, and we thank them for their dedication and commitment.
ECMC Registered Nurse participants included:
- Karen Beckman-Pilcher, RN, MSN, SANE
- Molly Shea, RN, MSN, SANE
- Donna Oddo, RN, BSN, SANE
- Mary Burt, RN, BSN, SANE
- Loretta Palermo, RN, SANE
- Danielle Menter, RN, SANE
- Jessica Spencer, RN, SANE
- Julie Roman, RN, BSN, SANE
- Nancy Rogers, RN, MSN
Many of the nurses brought their children and loved ones to assist in the comfort kit assembly. What an invaluable lesson to teach in the service of giving back and contributing to the well-being of the community! The mantra of ECMC!
