Alachua County moves to seek funding for dedicated SANE exam room at UF Health

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners referred funding options to the county manager Wednesday after hearing that an available room at UF Health could be converted into a dedicated Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) facility.

Advisory board members for Alachua County Victim Services and the local crisis center reported progress on several fronts, including a new room near the emergency department that would allow forensic exams and one-on-one nursing care outside the main ER. Jennifer Lalonde, an advisory-board member who works in the ER, told the commission the medical-gases requirement was waived and the project’s estimated construction costs have fallen “from $47,000 to $32,000.”

Commissioner Cornell moved that staff prepare cost estimates and potential funding sources as soon as possible, and that the project be treated as a priority for the FY2017 budget cycle. The commission approved the referral and the motion to have the manager return with recommendations.

Board members described the change as a significant improvement for victims: the designated space would let many survivors avoid a long stay in the ER and instead receive forensics and discharge in a private room, with an estimated visit time reduced from six-plus hours to two or three. Staff said the project will include a call-bell system and other patient-safety features, and that grants and private donations are being pursued to cover remaining costs.

The board also discussed possible fundraising and naming recognition tied to Loretta Golden, a long-serving former director credited with building local crisis services. The manager and staff will report back with funding scenarios, including grant opportunities and budget options for next fiscal year.