Introducing New Forensic Nurse Examination Program: A Vial Step Toward Justice and Healing

Archuleta County Public Health is proud to announce the launch of the Forensic Nurse Examinations Program, a new initiative designed to serve individuals affected by trauma, violence, and abuse. This program is a collaborative commitment to ensure those affected by violence can receive timely, expert healthcare uniquely tailored to their needs.

The Forensic Nurse Examination Program is a team of nurses with special training in forensic medical care equipped to care for patients of all ages who have experienced violence including:

• Sexual Assault: Comprehensive assessments to document injuries, collect forensic evidence, and provide post-assault medical care, including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy prevention.
• Intimate Partner Violence and Strangulation: Detailed examinations to identify visible and non-visible injuries, collect swabs and photos for evidence, and assess for life-threatening complications often missed in initial medical screenings.
• Child Abuse: Trauma-informed medical assessments to identify and document injuries, recognize and evaluate signs of physical or sexual abuse, evaluate for neglect, coordinate care with community resources, and support family members. 

"People in our community need to be able to access sensitive, trauma-informed, expert care if they are hurt by another person.” says Faith Koehler, FNE Coordinator, Archuleta County Public Health.  There are specific healthcare needs in the aftermath of assault and abuse. Forensic nurses are trained to carefully, compassionately meet those needs. Many people know this type of exam to be a “rape kit”.  These exams are much more than evidence collection. “We are trained to help people make decisions about how they want to move forward after a crime. I am honored to help make this program available in Archuleta County so that if the unthinkable happens, someone doesn't need to drive for hours to get care,” states Koehler. 

Typically, within 5 days of an assault, evidence can be collected by a nurse during the exam which can often have a big impact on the legal case into the future. Even after the evidence collection timeframe is past, this kind of medical care has been shown to reduce the long-term health consequences of assault and abuse and can still be incredibly valuable for many reasons, both legal and personal. Koehler and her partners believe this care needs to be close to home and easy to access.  “The Public Health Department is going to be the perfect quiet, comfortable space for exams. We are working hard to collaborate as a program with all the services in our community that help survivors – law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Human Services, Rise Above Violence, medical specialists, and others – to try to make the very challenging aftermath of a crime as smooth and survivor-centered as possible. I am so grateful that we have already had so much support and encouragement, as our partner agencies recognize the benefit of a forensic nursing program to patients,” says Koehler.

The Forensic Nurse Examination (FNE) program is designed to provide comprehensive care to any individual who has been harmed with a specially trained nurse who understands and can further recognize the signs of abuse.  Having a forensic nurse do these specialized examinations also increases the likelihood of justice through their expert training in gathering evidence.  In addition, they are trained to understand the legal protocols, including informing survivors of their rights and reporting options.  And, most importantly, forensic nurses are specially trained to address the physical, emotional and psychological needs of survivors, fostering their recovery and empowerment. While there is no forensic nursing program at Pagosa Springs Medical Center, a patient can receive medical care at PSMC, and then a forensic nurse from the Public Health Department will be contacted to conduct the forensic exam as well. Otherwise, an appointment can be made to conduct the comprehensive forensic exam at the Public Health clinic, typically the following day. "Historically, patients would have had to go to Durango or even Colorado Springs if they wished to seek a full forensic exam. Thankfully, this is no longer necessary through our new program," says Koehler.

“We are beyond excited that the Public Health Department has embraced this program, ensuring that victims get the services they deserve locally.” says Carmen Lewis, Executive Director of Rise Above Violence.  “This has been a vision for years, to get a sustainable, accessible service for victims to receive specialized care in the aftermath of some of the most traumatic events that can happen to a person.  Having a forensic nurse available 24/7 in Pagosa is exceptional and something Rise enthusiastically supports!”
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Violence and abuse affect millions of individuals every year, yet many cases go unreported or unresolved due to a lack of evidence or support. Forensic nurses play a pivotal role in changing this narrative. By providing trauma-informed care and ensuring evidence is collected properly, they not only support survivors on their path to healing but also strengthen the justice system's ability to hold perpetrators accountable.

Our program is not just a service; it’s a movement to create a safer, more compassionate community where survivors are heard, supported, and empowered.

If you or a loved one is experiencing life-threatening symptoms after an assault such as difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or uncontrolled bleeding, please call 911 or go to the emergency room. The hospital staff plan to work closely with the FNE Program whenever possible and offer patients the option to include the forensic nurse in their care. For situations that do not involve an emergent medical need, you can directly call the FNE Program at 970.585.9028 at any time to schedule an exam, bypassing the ER. The FNE Program has access to several sources of funding to enable patients to receive forensic exams at no cost, regardless of insurance status.
 
For more information about our FNE program, or to become a forensic nurse examiner, call Faith Koehler, FNE Coordinator at (970) 585-9028 or reach out via email at [email protected].  Together, we can make a difference in the lives of survivors and pave the way for justice and healing.