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DRAFT MINUTES COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & THE MEDICAL CENTER MARCH 19, 1996 2:00 P.M.
(Joint meeting with Public Safety and Criminal Justice )
PRESENT: Chairman: Andrea Stewart-Cousins Members: Sue Swanson, Ursula LaMotte, Secretary: Lynne Creighton
Public Safety and Criminal Justice: Bob Darcy, Richard Wishnie, Lou Mosiello
Task Force on Families: Paul Noto, Dr. Maria Munoz-Kantha
OTHERS: Toni Downes, Victims Assistance Services/WESTCOP Megan Perry, Dept. of Corrections, George Hosey, Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Rosemary Castiglia, Jeanette Adler, Anya Bickford, Westchester County Medical Center Jo Brill, League of Westchester Women Voters
The meeting was called to order at 2:10 P.M. by Mrs. Stewart-Cousins.
The meeting of Public Safety and Criminal Justice was called to order at 2:10 P.M. by Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Wishnie said a year ago he had sent all of the legislators a letter about an innovative program for rape victims in Tulsa, Oklahoma, saying that they recognized the need to give special treatment to rape victims. In doing that, they were able to help the whole community as well as the victim, because they were able to have better prosecutions of rape crimes.
Mr. Wishnie further stated that in Oklahoma they have specialized nurse advocates and doctors at a particular location and that all victims are brought to the same place, as well as their families.
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Mr. Wishnie said that the Oklahoma program was brought to the attention of the County and the District Attorney, as well as Commissioner Stolzenberg. While they all agreed that it was a good concept, the problem was finding resources in the County. Mr. Wishnie said he is excited by the new prospect and the new information that Ms. Downes was about to present.
Ms. Downes said that there is new state-wide interest in the program and gave a brief summary:
Highlights:. The same program is available to all victims, regardless of whether or not they report to the police.
A physical exam is given, along with a follow-up.
Evidence is gathered through a kit provided by the state and County Dept. of Laboratories. Hospital stores the evidence for 30 days, which is a state regulation.
The victim is interviewed.
Nurse practitioners are used as opposed to emergency room physicians to conduct the exam.
There is a victim-friendly area outside of the emergency room with access to a shower, along with provision of clean clothing.
Statistics: County statistics for 1995 report 129 sexual assaults, with most reported to lower Westchester (Mt. Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers).
Helpline took in 500 calls in 1995. 380 were rape and sexual assaults.
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Ms. Downes said that the State Dept. of Health, which certifies rape crisis centers, is also conducting a survey of hospitals throughout the state regarding how many victims are seen in emergency rooms. Only 7 of the 14 hospitals in the county have responded..
After further discussion, questions and answers Ms. Downes said that the Attorney General is trying to get more centers set up and get legislation passed that would provide additional dollars.
Ms. Downes gave an outline of how Victims Assistance Services is set up, saying that they operate three offices (Mt. Vernon, Elmsford and Yonkers) and that they are a private non- profit organization. They reach 2000 victims a year, and the largest user of service is rape victims, with domestic violence victims second and families of homicide victims third. Funding comes primarily from the State Crime Victims Board and the County Board of Legislators also kick in funding, which is targeted to rape crisis and children services.
Mrs. Stewart-Cousins thanked Ms. Downes for her presentation and said that she would discuss outreach and funding through Criminal Justice Services.
The meeting of Public Safety & Criminal Justice Service was adjourned at 2:50 P.M. on motion of Mr. Mosiello, seconded by Mr. Wishnie.
The minutes of March 12 were approved on motion of Mrs. Swanson, seconded by Mrs. Lamotte.
Mrs. Stewart-Cousins asked Lynne to check with Gina Angiulo to see if a firm date had been set for the committee to have a business lunch with Commissioner Stolzenberg. The dates were April 2 and April 9.
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A motion was made to receive and file the following agenda items:
1C. Hon. Louis Mosiello: Forwarding a Resolution passed by the Yonkers City Council calling on the County’s Department of Social Services to slow the implementation process of its Managed Care program to standardize the amount of verbal and written information given to those residents required to make a choice among service providers to include complete information about bilingual capabilities. (3.11.96) (Motion made by Mrs. Swanson, seconded by Mrs. LaMotte.)
1H. Hon. George Latimer Forwarding a copy of a letter from a Mamaroneck Town Councilwoman expressing opposition to proposed state legislation which would prevent local governments from passing laws restricting smoking in bars and restaurants. (3.11.96) (Also referred to Legislation) (Motion made by Mrs. LaMotte, seconded by Mrs. Swanson.)
The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 P.M. on motion of Mrs. Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Mrs. Swanson. |