CMH hosting Feb. 10 event to benefit SAFE program

Funds needed to buy high tech tool to prosecute abuse cases

The Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation is hosting a wine tasting event on Sunday, Feb. 10 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Vincenzo's Mediterranean Grill in Solomons to benefit the local Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program. The funds raised will be used to purchase high tech equipment that provides highly detailed information that can lead to better prosecution.

Where:
Calvert Marina, Solomons

When:
Sunday, February 10, 2008
4:30-6:30 p.m.

Cost:
$50 per person, Dinner Optional
Elegant Casual attire

RSVP:
By February 1, 2008
410-535-8178 or 410-414-4570

"The SAFE nursing program is absolutely vital to the successful prosecution of sexual assault cases in Calvert County," said State's Attorney Laura Martin. "These dedicated professionals are specifically trained to collect the forensic evidence necessary to obtain convictions against sexual predators as well as testify in court as experts."

"Moreover, they provide essential medical care to the victims of sexual assault in a sensitive manner," she said.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased by calling the foundation at 410-535-8178 or 410-414-4570. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted. A special dinner will be offered following the event for an additional $30 charge. Space is limited and reservations should be made by Feb. 1. The foundation is also accepting donations from those who are unable to attend but want to support the program.

Calvert SAFE Program Coordinator Sharon Fleshcher, RN, says the new equipment could be a valuable tool in proving sexual abuse in court. "The culposcope we want to buy is a state-of-the-art magnifying device," she said, "that can detect injuries not available to the naked eye." It also features an attached camera and lights.

According to Flescher, they need to raise $16,000 to purchase the equipment and to pay for the required training. Currently, there are six nurses at CMH who are certified to perform these in-depth exams, which take about two to three hours to complete.

"We are required to have eight hours of continuing education annually," said Flescher. "This specialized training is necessary to ensure that the evidence is collected with accuracy and precision."

The SAFE program at Calvert Memorial Hospital began in 1995. Last year, Flescher said they handled 28 cases, two involving children. "We are dedicated to making sure these victims are treated with compassion and respect," she said, "and that evidence is collected by a trained professional who is only caring for them."

"It is important that we raise the needed funding for this critically important effort," said Foundation President Henry Trentman. "We are asking the community to join us in supporting the SAFE program."

Bob Garrabrant, co-owner of Vincenzo's, and Dixie Miller, event co-chair select wine for the Feb. 10 benefit.

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