To become a leading provider of rural healthcare, you need to know which organizations to partner with.

Sanford Health is proud to call the Missouri Valley Crisis Center a partner.

keep victims safe

April LeBeau is Executive Director of the Missouri Valley Crisis Center. Headquartered in Chamberlain, South Dakota, the nonprofit organization provides safety and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

“We help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, human trafficking, bullying and other forms of abuse,” she explained.

“Services include a 24/7 crisis hotline, crisis counseling, shelter, transportation in certain approved cases, legal, medical, and personal advocacy, protection order assistance, emergency financial assistance, and counseling. including, but not limited to, support services.”

Addiction fuels violence, says Lebeau

LeBeau said the service is desperately needed, especially within the counties it serves. The MVCC typically serves Lyman, Brule, and Buffalo counties in South Dakota, but “anywhere calls and if you need help, we listen to the situation and if you need help We help everywhere,” he said LeBeau.

She said drug and alcohol addiction often fuel violence and assaults in those counties and throughout South Dakota.

“Domestic violence programs, including emergency shelter services, have proven to be one of the most supportive and effective resources for people experiencing abuse.

“Several studies have been conducted that reported that staying in a shelter dramatically reduced the chances of being abused again for women who had actively tried other strategies,” Lebeau said. Told.

Partners Help Serve Victims

MVCC serves about 200 people a year. LeBeau said partners such as Sanford Health are helping the nonprofit fulfill its mission.

“Many times Sanford nurses have contacted us looking for advocates for victims in the ER receiving medical services for injuries from domestic violence or sexual assault. When we arrive, we will work with Sanford staff to comfort the victims during that very difficult time,” she said.

Find help: Sanford Health offers resources to help prevent child abuse

When a sexual assault victim goes to the ER for a sexual assault forensic examination, also known as a rape kit, law enforcement takes all their clothes and shoes as evidence.

Victims are often forced to leave the ER in hospital slippers and gowns because they have no other belongings at the time.

“I thought it was so humiliating, so I put together a care package bag of clothes, shoes, hygiene products, blankets and stuffed animals,” Lebeau said. Sanford employees have always been very understanding and eager to help, and that is a big deal. It makes sense.”

Erica Peterson is Senior Director of Sanford Chamberlain and Sanford Pierre. She described the partnership between Sanford Health and the Crisis Center as “multi-faceted.”

“MVCC’s work is clearly focused on domestic violence. We also support single mothers who are struggling to make ends meet and are unable to obtain formula, diapers, pull-ups and wipes. They’ll fill that gap, and we’ve done that on a regular basis. I know that.

“Another part of it is that sex trafficking is a big problem in this state. and she supports us through it,” Peterson explained.

meet the needs of the community

Health care providers have a history of supporting the community, Peterson says, which makes providing care to small rural communities so special.

“Especially in rural communities, whatever the resource, be it care package bags, food resources, or caring for children, these situations force us to come together as a community and support each other. I think we can,” he said. Peterson.

“The mere fact that we are located in South Dakota and is the only hospital on the interstate between Mitchell and Rapid City speaks volumes about Sanford Health’s investment in rural care. Whether you’re working through MVCCs, local food banks, distributing food kits, or recognizing that your overall health is important, it’s what Sanford Health finds in rural health care. It really shows the value.”

learn more

…

Posted in Chamberlain, Community, Rural Health, Women’s