In a vital step toward strengthening services and support for survivors of sexual assault, Tanner Health has just launched a dedicated Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton. This important initiative reflects Tanner’s commitment to providing trauma-informed, victim-centered care — ensuring that no one in the aftermath of sexual violence faces recovery alone.
Currently, fewer than 20% of hospitals nationwide have SANE-trained staff. SANE programs have proven to dramatically improve the quality of care and forensic evidence collection for survivors. In Georgia, only six other hospitals offer SANE programs, despite the ongoing and urgent need for forensic care following sexual assault. With only a handful of hospital-based SANE programs across the state, this launch positions Tanner as a regional leader in forensic nursing and victim services.
“For patients in crisis, it is essential to have someone specially trained to provide compassionate, comprehensive care,” said Donny Hightower, RN, vice president of emergency services. “This program ensures our team can meet that need with skill, empathy and dignity.”
Program designed to deliver 24/7, one-on-one care
Through support from generous donors to Tanner Health Foundation, Tanner has trained a team of seven Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). These registered nurses have undergone advanced forensic and trauma-informed training to care for adolescent and adult survivors of sexual assault. These nurses will be on call around the clock — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — providing immediate, specialized medical forensic care for patients.
Regional expansion planned
While the program has just launched at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton, an expansion is already planned. The program will be rolled out to Higgins General Hospital in Bremen, Georgia, in August and to Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica in Villa Rica, Georgia, in the coming months. This phased expansion ensures more patients across west Georgia and east Alabama have access to trauma-informed forensic care, closer to home.
Tanner Health Foundation is supporting the SANE program at Tanner Health with its Sept. 16 Tanner Ladies Luncheon. The luncheon costs $28 per attendee, and includes a presentation by speaker Tim Paul, MD, a board-certified emergency medicine physician with Tanner Health. Sponsorships are available. Learn more and register to attend at tanner.org/tanner-ladies-luncheon.
About Tanner Health Foundation
Tanner Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Tanner Health. While fees from services rendered provide financial support to Tanner Health, charitable giving provides enhanced support for strategic projects and needs that further elevate our quality of care and services with the community. Learn more at tanner.org/tanner-health-foundation.
About Tanner Health
Tanner Health is a five-hospital non-profit health system providing convenient, personalized health care to communities across west Georgia and east Alabama. Tanner Health physicians and staff provide the latest technology and treatment options to advance the health of our patients. In addition to our regional hospitals and care centers, Tanner operates Tanner Medical Group, one of metro Atlanta’s largest multi-specialty physician groups.
Photo caption
Meet the compassionate team behind Tanner Health’s SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) program — a group of highly trained professionals dedicated to supporting survivors with expert forensic care and emotional support. Pictured left to right are: Kathryn Trusty, RN; Allison Carroll, RN; Elizabeth Strong, RN; Ashlyn Jackson, RN; Jane Adams, RN; Brooke Cornell, RN; Laura Mandelke, RN; Gena Parham, RN; Sarah Faver, RN; and Nanikka Merrell, RN.