Indiana SANE Training Project receives federal funding The Southwest Indiana Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has received $1.49 million in federal funding to continue the Indiana SANE Training Project. The project helps more Hoosiers earn advanced nursing degrees to increase the number of forensic nurses known as a sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE). These nurses are trained to give specialized medical care to survivors of sexual assault or abuse to ensure any potential data or specimens are categorized appropriately. They provide examinations that include a forensic medical history review of systems and full body physical assessments. They also collect specimens that may be evidence and plan patient care. Medical forensic issues can occur when medical care intersects with the legal system. Common issues are sexual assault, interpersonal violence and child abuse.
The Indiana SANE Training Project looks to provide specialized care to Hoosiers across the state, especially those in rural and underserved communities. The project has four main goals:
- Increase the number of trained and certified SANEs, especially in underserved areas;
- Increase the number of available SANE trainings;
- Expand access to sexual assault forensic examinations; and
- Foster an environment that supports SANE training, practice and retention.
As chair of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, I know that we have a need for more of these nurses. Since the project started, there has been a 37% increase in adult/adolescent SANE services and a 65% increase in pediatric SANE services across Indiana.
