UnityPoint Health-Meriter, Madison, 2023 Community Benefits
Forensic Nursing at UnityPoint Health-Meriter
The Forensic Nurse Examiners Program (formerly known as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program or SANE) at UnityPoint Health-Meriter strives to offer unique and care to victims of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, elder abuse and domestic violence.
The Forensic Nurse Program is the only program of its kind in the state of Wisconsin. It has provided care and healing to more than 10,000 victims of all ages, genders, races and populations since 1988.
The Forensic Nursing Program is staffed by registered nurses who have advanced education in medical-forensic examination, psychological and emotional trauma. UnityPoint Health-Meriter forensic nurses conduct a p physical exam, collect of medical-forensic evidence, assist with reporting the crime to police, screen for sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy, and do safety planning and follow up care—all in a safe, compassionate manner.
Meriter helps all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Meriter accepts all commercial insurance providers and victims are welcome to use those if they choose. However, if a patient prefers not to use insurance due to confidentiality reasons, we apply for a reimbursement through the WI Safe Fund, which can provide financial assistance for the cost of a forensic medical exam. If the patient does not have medical coverage, the patient could be eligible for assistance from the Crime Victim Compensation Fund or the Uncompensated Care Program through Meriter.
The Forensic Nurse Program is the only program of its kind in the state of Wisconsin. It has provided care and healing to more than 10,000 victims of all ages, genders, races and populations since 1988.
The Forensic Nursing Program is staffed by registered nurses who have advanced education in medical-forensic examination, psychological and emotional trauma. UnityPoint Health-Meriter forensic nurses conduct a p physical exam, collect of medical-forensic evidence, assist with reporting the crime to police, screen for sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy, and do safety planning and follow up care—all in a safe, compassionate manner.
Meriter helps all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Meriter accepts all commercial insurance providers and victims are welcome to use those if they choose. However, if a patient prefers not to use insurance due to confidentiality reasons, we apply for a reimbursement through the WI Safe Fund, which can provide financial assistance for the cost of a forensic medical exam. If the patient does not have medical coverage, the patient could be eligible for assistance from the Crime Victim Compensation Fund or the Uncompensated Care Program through Meriter.
Pathways Programs/Jeff Levy Education Center
The UnityPoint Health – Meriter Jeff Levy Education Center officially opened in Spring 2023 to house a nursing education program, and community health education classes.
All the programs are designed to diversify the state’s health care workforce. We work to develop future generations of health care professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and lived experiences, thus building a workforce that is best equipped to advocate for all patients and address health inequities. Through partnerships with the Black Men’s Coalition, Urban League and local nursing schools we’re able to provide training and career advancement in Environmental Services, Phlebotomy, Certified Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant roles.
The education center will also aid in accelerating new team members to the patient bedside. The center houses Meriter’s new team member onboarding process, including orientation, badging and Employee Health Services in one location, to streamline the onboarding process and get newly hired or licensed caregivers on the floor faster.
By increasing access to health care education and training we will boost the number of individuals pursuing—and advancing in—the field of health care. Workforce sustainability is crucial to positive patient outcomes. We will advance and cultivate our own, ensuring every patient is treated by skilled, tenured caregivers. Through the Jeff Levy Education Center, we will work to provide health care career and advancement opportunities to entry-level employees through Pathways Program enrollment (strongly encouraged for team members from historically marginalized communities) and scholarships; Improve advancement and leadership opportunities within nursing, particularly among BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) team members, through scholarships, loan forgiveness, paid support for advanced nursing certification through preparatory courses and more.
All the programs are designed to diversify the state’s health care workforce. We work to develop future generations of health care professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and lived experiences, thus building a workforce that is best equipped to advocate for all patients and address health inequities. Through partnerships with the Black Men’s Coalition, Urban League and local nursing schools we’re able to provide training and career advancement in Environmental Services, Phlebotomy, Certified Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant roles.
The education center will also aid in accelerating new team members to the patient bedside. The center houses Meriter’s new team member onboarding process, including orientation, badging and Employee Health Services in one location, to streamline the onboarding process and get newly hired or licensed caregivers on the floor faster.
By increasing access to health care education and training we will boost the number of individuals pursuing—and advancing in—the field of health care. Workforce sustainability is crucial to positive patient outcomes. We will advance and cultivate our own, ensuring every patient is treated by skilled, tenured caregivers. Through the Jeff Levy Education Center, we will work to provide health care career and advancement opportunities to entry-level employees through Pathways Program enrollment (strongly encouraged for team members from historically marginalized communities) and scholarships; Improve advancement and leadership opportunities within nursing, particularly among BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) team members, through scholarships, loan forgiveness, paid support for advanced nursing certification through preparatory courses and more.
Safe Communities/Recovery Coaches on Site
UnityPoint Health-Meriter and Safe Communities partnered this year to pilot an onsite, enhanced Recovery Coach program in an effort to support those who have experiences and overdose emergency or struggle with addiction.
The on-site program is staffed with recovery coaches and peer support specialists. Recovery coaches are individuals with lived experience that are professionally trained to be long-term allies to individuals wanting to change their mental health or substance use.
For patients interested in receiving support, Safe Communities coaches will work with patients, families and hospital staff to reduce the harm of their substance use and assist in recovery. The program will be open and available during the busiest hours of the emergency department, which are determined based on drug overdose treatment data.
Meriter and Safe Communities also partner to provide community-based fentanyl-reduction kits. Through this work, over 100 free and lifesaving doses of naloxone are available in and around Dane County.
The on-site program is staffed with recovery coaches and peer support specialists. Recovery coaches are individuals with lived experience that are professionally trained to be long-term allies to individuals wanting to change their mental health or substance use.
For patients interested in receiving support, Safe Communities coaches will work with patients, families and hospital staff to reduce the harm of their substance use and assist in recovery. The program will be open and available during the busiest hours of the emergency department, which are determined based on drug overdose treatment data.
Meriter and Safe Communities also partner to provide community-based fentanyl-reduction kits. Through this work, over 100 free and lifesaving doses of naloxone are available in and around Dane County.
