Expansion of Hospital Advocacy at St. Francis Regional Medical Center

Southern Valley Alliance and St. Francis Regional Medical Center have begun a new program of hospital advocacy for victims of domestic violence.  When a patient presents with a domestic violence injury, the forensic nursing team at St. Francis is now able to virtually connect a patient with a domestic violence advocate. 

"For the past five years, the Allina Forensic Nursing Program has provided domestic violence services at St. Francis Regional Medical Center.  We are excited to be partnering with Southern Valley Alliance to provide domestic violence tele-advocacy,” says Kelly Nelson-Cichosz, the Forensic Nursing Program Lead for Allina.  “This new service allows victim-survivors who are need of medical services the vital connection to support and resources.  If you are a victim of domestic violence or intimate partner violence, you are not alone. "

Last year, Southern Valley Alliance assisted 817 victims of domestic violence in Scott and Carver counties.  With the advent of this new program, they expect their numbers to increase in the coming year.  “We anticipate this new outreach initiative will enable us to support individuals who did not previously have the resources they needed to reclaim their lives and stop abuse,” notes Christie Larson, SVA’s Executive Director. 

While the focus is on St. Francis for now, there is potential to expand SVA’s tele-advocacy services in the future.  “Like Allina, SVA is committed to making our community a healthier and safer place for all who live here.  Expanding domestic violence services to reach all in need will help achieve this goal.”

For more information on St. Francis Regional Medical Center, please visit their website HERE.