Sarah’s Place Celebrates 10 Years of Serving Survivors & Strengthening the Community August 12, 2026 After a sexual assault or other violent crime, the hours that follow can be overwhelming. Survivors are often coping with physical injuries, emotional trauma and difficult decisions about what comes next. Having access to trauma-informed, specialized care during that time can make a lasting difference, helping survivors receive medical attention in an environment that prioritizes their dignity, choice and healing. For the past 10 years, Sarah’s Place has provided care for survivors across Benton, Lincoln, Linn and surrounding counties. Located at Samaritan Albany General Hospital, the center offers a private, supportive environment where specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, commonly known as SANE, provide medical treatment and forensic examinations for people who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence and non-fatal strangulation. Since opening in August 2016, Sarah’s Place has cared for more than 2,346 patients, offering specialized services designed to support healing while empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care. Specialized Care When It’s Needed Most Unlike a traditional emergency department visit, care at Sarah’s Place is provided by nurses who have advanced training in caring for survivors of violence. SANEs understand both the medical and emotional effects of trauma and are trained to conduct forensic examinations, document injuries and collect evidence when a patient chooses. “Our role is about so much more than collecting evidence,” said Shelli Dalton, SANE RN at Samaritan Albany General Hospital. “We want patients to feel safe and know they have choices. We explain what we’re doing, ask for consent and give them the opportunity to decide what they’re comfortable with throughout the exam.” Before Sarah’s Place opened, survivors often received care in busy emergency departments. Today, they have access to a dedicated private space designed specifically for their needs where emotional safety, privacy and survivor autonomy are central to the care they receive. That specialized approach can also reduce the number of times survivors need to share their story. Working alongside advocates, law enforcement and other community partners, the Sarah’s Place team helps coordinate care so patients can focus on their immediate needs instead of navigating multiple systems on their own. The Ripple Effect of Specialized Care The impact of Sarah’s Place extends far beyond the individual receiving care. Patients and their loved ones receive guidance and reassurance during an incredibly difficult time, while healthcare providers, advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors have a trusted partner with specialized expertise. “When we can give someone a safe place to receive care and let them remain in control of what happens next, that can be really meaningful,” Dalton said. “A community is measured by how it cares for people in their most vulnerable moments. For the past 10 years, Sarah’s Place has shown what compassionate, expert care can look like, and that benefits all of us.” Built on Community Support Sarah’s Place was created through a partnership between Samaritan Health Services, community partners and generous Albany General Hospital Foundation donors who recognized the need for a dedicated response to sexual assault and other forms of interpersonal violence. As Sarah’s Place celebrates 10 years of service, that commitment continues to help make sure survivors across the region have access to specialized care close to home. If you would like to donate to Sarah’s Place, visit the Albany General Hospital Foundation at samhealth.org/AGHF. Visit samhealth.org/SarahsPlace for more information about Sarah’s Place.
