Memorial Healthcare, an independent, non-profit hospital, today announced a new collaboration with Michigan Forensic Examiners (MFE) and SafeCenter Domestic and Sexual Violence Services to expand access to trauma-informed, survivor-centered care for victims of sexual violence.
Through the partnership, Michigan Forensic Examiners will provide specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services on-site at Memorial Healthcare in Owosso. These comprehensive exams integrate medical care with forensic evidence collection, ensuring patients receive expert, legally sound, and compassionate care without the need to leave their community.
In addition, SafeCenter will continue to provide advocacy, crisis support, and follow-up services during the patient’s visit and beyond, ensuring ongoing support throughout the healing process.
“This partnership with Michigan Forensic Examiners and SafeCenter represents an important step in expanding access to specialized forensic and advocacy services at Memorial Healthcare,” said Robin Cannon, BSN, RN, director of patient care services and SANE Program Coordinator at Memorial Healthcare. “This collaboration allows survivors to receive specialized, trauma-informed care close to home, in the community where they live, at a time when access, dignity, and compassion matter most.”
Access to SANE services can be limited in rural communities, often requiring survivors to travel long distances to receive care. This collaboration strengthens Memorial Healthcare’s community response by bringing highly trained forensic nurses directly to the hospital, reducing strain on internal resources, and supporting a seamless, survivor-centered experience for patients of all ages.
“Victims and survivors in rural areas are often geographically isolated from essential, life-altering services and supports,” said Hannah Gottschalk, chief executive officer of SafeCenter Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, serving Clinton and Shiawassee counties. “Having an agreement in place between our local community hospital, a mobile forensic examination provider, and us as the advocacy organization ensures that survivors are provided with trauma-informed and responsive care right here at home.”
Michigan Forensic Examiners specializes in medical forensic examinations and works alongside healthcare systems and advocacy organizations to expand access to survivor-centered care.
“This partnership reflects what survivor-centered care should look like in rural communities — collaboration, accessibility, and trust,” said Lindsey Bulgrien, MSN, APRN, FNP, SANE-A, CEO and founder of Michigan Forensic Examiners. “By working alongside Memorial Healthcare and SafeCenter, we can ensure survivors receive timely, trauma-informed medical forensic care without the burden of traveling far from home. When systems work together, survivors are safer, supported, and believed.”
Memorial Healthcare, SafeCenter, and Michigan Forensic Examiners will also collaborate on community education and coordinated communications to raise awareness of available services and ensure survivors know where to turn for compassionate, confidential support.
