Rape program planning to dedicate medical unit

4/26/2004

SANDUSKY - A new tri-county program aimed at assisting rape victims and gathering evidence in sexual-assault cases will dedicate its medical unit Thursday.

The ceremony to officially open the Sexual Assault Response/Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners' unit will take place at 3 p.m. at Firelands Regional Medical Center's South Campus, 1912 Hayes Ave., said Carolyn Avery, a victim's advocate for the Ottawa County prosecutor's office.

After the dedication, an open house will be conducted from 4 to 5 p.m.

The program, which will provide services in Erie, Huron, and Ottawa counties, will employ specially trained nurse examiners who will work with victim advocates and law enforcement officers to treat sexual-assault victims and gather forensic data.

Ohio has 35 such programs, including operations in Toledo and Findlay.