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For Immediate Release
3/17/2005
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Jill Bloom
410-601-5025
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Northwest Hospital Center's Family Violence Program Awarded Grant
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Family Violence Program at Northwest Hospital Center has named Audrey Bergin as coordinator. On the heels of this announcement, the program has been awarded a grant from the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention and the Maryland Victims of Crime Funds Award to help further the development of this ongoing program against domestic violence.
A hospital-based domestic violence program is a critical tool for victims,” said Sue Jalbert, vice president of Patient Care Services, Northwest Hospital Center. "We can help them get the information they need in a discreet manner while empowering them to make decisions about their future.”
After a patient arrives at the hospital, two specific questions, designed to flag possible victims of domestic violence, are asked by hospital staff. If a person answers yes to either question, then the nurse will ask if he or she would like to speak with someone about the situation. The program can help provide the resources to those who need them, confidentially.
"Having a point person on staff is key to the success of this program,” said Jalbert. "Audrey Bergin has worked with victims of domestic violence for more than 16 years, and we are thrilled to have her on-board as the coordinator.”
Bergin comes to Northwest from Baltimore County where she coordinated the Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Hotline. She holds a master's degree in Art Therapy from George Washington University. Art therapy is a method used to help children deal with stressful or traumatic issues in a less threatening, indirect manner.
If a person decides to seek help, the Family Violence Program staff at Northwest will follow up and provide on going counseling for victims. All services are free. For more information on the program, you can call 410-496-7555.
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