LANCASTER – A free community health lecture this Thursday will focus on Antelope Valley Hospital’s Forensic Services Unit (FSU) and how it addresses violence in the local community.
“We need everybody to understand that violence is an issue, but we’re trying to address it,” said FSU Director, Mary Reina, who will be presenting an overview of the program. “The main thing is to raise awareness about what we’re trying to do to turn this around into a community that cares about violence as opposed to one that’s always reporting the violence.”
AV Hospital’s Forensic Services Unit is a unique program, the only of its kind in the state of California. The function of the unit is to assess, document, photograph and collect evidence on all cases presenting to the hospital or referred by law enforcement. The FSU also coordinates the medical/legal needs of victims and provides care to those who have experienced life changing events. Read more about the program here.
At Thursday’s community lecture, Reina will also discuss efforts to create a Family Justice Center to make it easier for a victim of violence to get help.
“The goal would be to have a program where a victim can come and get legal assistance, advocacy, forensic exams, counseling… providing all the necessary services to victims under a one-stop shop,” Reina said. “It makes it easier for victims, especially in the Antelope Valley where we’re so spread out and there’s a lot of financial and transportation issues.”
A question and answer session will be held at the conclusion of Reina’s presentation.
The community health lecture on AV Hospital’s response to violence takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at AVH Community Resource Center – Auditorium, located at 44151 15th Street West in Lancaster.
Admission is free and there will be light refreshments. To attend the lecture, register by calling 661-726-6499 or email communityrelations@avhospital.org.
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The Truth says
The only way to get rid of violence in the AV is to hope that the demographics change and the lowlifes move out.
Red says
@The Truth, you are talking about yourself I hope. Since you are devoid and of any ideas, you are exactly what needs to go.Calling yourself The Truth really just you? You’re the judge of everything. I’m not impressed, should I call you a low life or someone who doesn’t live reality, there’s no time machine.