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April 19, 2017Albany Med, UAlbany Volunteers Pack 300 Survival Kits for Victims of Sexual Assault
Hundreds of volunteers joined together Monday evening at UAlbany’s SEFCU Arena for the third annual “We Care” event. Together, they packed and delivered “survival kits” to victims who have undergone forensic testing in the aftermath of sexual assault.
Approximately 300 kits were delivered to Albany Medical Center for use in treating men, women and children, transported by ambulance services Five Quad, of the University at Albany, and Albany County EMS, of the Office of the Sheriff.
“At Albany Medical Center, our Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE) treat nearly 200 survivors of sexual assault each year. These kits serve as a reminder to our patients that their community is here in support of them,” said Kaylin Dawson, R.N., coordinator of Albany Med’s SAFE Program. “I commend the University at Albany and all of our sponsors for their support of this very important initiative that will help our patients start out on their journey to recovery.”
The “We Care” project kits contained items such as clothing, toiletries, a hairbrush, gift cards, journal, and a personal note from the packer. Victims have reported to “We Care” organizers that they find comfort in the kit’s familiar items and gain a sense of taking back control of their lives, as clothing and personal items are often left behind for testing.
The “We Care” project, planned during April to heighten awareness of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, was supported by the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, Albany County Safe Harbour Program, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, CVS, Five Quad Ambulance, Subway, Walmart and R.J. Valente.
At this year’s event, Albany Medical College student Dylan Pamerantz received a standing ovation for sharing his sexual abuse survival story with the 200+ students in attendance. He said events like the “We Care” Project help remove the stigma around sexual assault. Pamerantz helped pack some of the bags alongside the UAlbany and Albany Medical College students, as well as others from the community.
“The University is proud to host this event in collaboration with Albany Medical Center and so many community partners,” said Chantelle Cleary, assistant vice president for equity and compliance and title IX coordinator, UAlbany. “It is our hope that the participation of our students and staff in this event will bring some measure of healing to survivors of sexual violence in the wake of victimization.”
