OSF offers healing program for survivors of sexual assault

Survivors of sexual assault will find support at OSF Resilient Healing, a new program that will be offered at OSF HealthCare Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota and OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, starting in late June.

OSF Resilient Healing represents hope, healing and a renewed commitment to the recovery of sexual assault survivors in the I‑80 Region, says Tasha Arteaga, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) coordinator and advanced practice registered nurse for the program.

“It’s a commitment to the well-being and dignity of every sexual assault survivor,” says Arteaga. “By providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care at no out-of-pocket cost to the survivor for the critical first six months after an assault, OSF and our state partners are making healing a priority.”

OSF Resilient Healing care is offered at two locations: Ottawa and Mendota. These strategically chosen sites ensure that survivors throughout the region can get the care they need in a supportive, safe and accessible setting.

In addition to the OSF Resilient Healing team, the I‑80 SANE team — professionals who perform the forensic exams in the emergency departments at OSF Saint Paul and OSF Saint Elizabeth — includes 17 SANE nurses.

The effects of sexual assault are both profound and far-reaching, says Arteaga. Physically, survivors may experience injuries that require immediate care as well as ongoing health concerns that surface long after the incident. Emotionally and mentally, survivors often experience feelings of shame, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. The resulting trauma can disrupt every facet of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. The impact of sexual assault underscores the critical need for specialized, trauma-informed follow-up care.

While emergency departments provide immediate acute care and forensic examinations, the OSF Resilient Healing program fills the essential gap of ongoing treatment. Survivors benefit from ongoing medical follow-up and mental health support, delivered through a trauma-informed provider. This approach ensures survivors receive important screenings and referrals for any additional support services they might need on the road to recovery.

The Resilient Healing service is available to any survivor who seeks support within six months of their assault. Survivors who’ve already been seen in OSF emergency departments are automatically referred to the program. Self-referrals are also welcomed. Any survivor can call and schedule an appointment at (815) 434-4382.

“If you are experiencing ongoing physical symptoms, emotional distress, or simply the need to talk with someone who understands the unique trauma of sexual assault, then this service is designed for you,” says Arteaga. “Any survivor, regardless of the specifics of their situation, can benefit from compassionate, ongoing support.”