The S.A.F.E. Center is inside the Providence Office Park off NE 45th and Halsey and will have highly trained medical providers and clinicians to help survivors.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Monday marked the grand opening of the Providence S.A.F.E. Center in Northeast Portland. The new clinic is devoted to helping people who’ve experienced sexual, physical or psychological violence.
“Patient choice, autonomy and empowerment is really at the center of everything that we do,” said Katie Schafer, the program manager of the S.A.F.E. Center.
Schafer said this has been in the works for five years. And now, she’s beyond excited to continue expanding its mission with this new clinic.
“It’s absolutely critical, after enduring something so violent and traumatic,” said Schafer, “knowing that there is a space that is dedicated just for them that isn’t an emergency department, where they can often feel very overwhelming. I think it is absolutely crucial to the journey of healing, really.”
The S.A.F.E. Team previously only responded to emergency departments to provide care for victims. But now, they can do that in a designated safe space for survivors — people that Theresa Muncy, the lead forensic nurse examiner at the S.A.F.E. Center, works closely with daily.
“We don’t often get to experience purely positive feelings in this work, but we are today,” said Muncy.
The S.A.F.E. Center has three exam rooms with highly trained medical providers and clinicians. And thanks to the state’s Assault Victims’ Emergency Medical Response Fund, these services will be available for everyone regardless of their ability to pay.
“So all they need to do is call us, and we can help point them in the right direction, 24/7. We are here,” said Muncy.
People looking to seek help from the S.A.F.E. Center can call them at 503-729-5814, or walk into the center, located inside the Providence Office Park off Northeast 45th and Halsey Street, inside building #1, suite 286.