Saint Joseph London Earns SANE Recognition

LONDON, Ky. (April 29, 2026) – Saint Joseph London’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examinor (SANE) program has been recognized by Cumberland River Victim Services for its commitment to providing patient-centered care to victims of sexual assault. A program of Cumberland River Behavioral Health, the sexual assault crisis and counseling center serves southeastern Kentucky through regional advocacy, education and therapy services to support survivors and promote prevention.

The Kentucky legislature in 2016 passed a bill establishing SANE-ready designation for acute care hospitals that have a SANE on call around the clock. Saint Joseph London is one of only 25 hospitals in Kentucky, and the only one in southeastern Kentucky, designated as SANE-ready, according to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The hospital’s emergency team includes registered nurses who have received specialized training and education in providing compassionate, forensic care to victims of sexual assault. 

“The SANE certification recognizes our ability to provide around-the-clock response for sexual assault victims,” said Lori M. Coots, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, SANE, EMT-P, Market Director of Emergency Services. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing patients with the support and the appropriate treatment they need after an assault. We are the first step in someone’s journey to healing.”

SANE nurses work to ensure sexual assault survivors receive quality, compassionate, patient-centered and trauma-informed care in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault. SANE nurses receive a specialized credential issued by the Kentucky Board of Nursing after receiving training in forensic examination of adults and adolescents to collect and preserve evidence of assault. They also testify in legal proceedings in accordance with Kentucky law.

“With a mission founded in serving and healing the most vulnerable, we’re here for you and remain committed to providing advanced, timely and trauma-informed care to support and prioritize the needs of survivors,” said Melissa Bennett, DHA, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer, Saint Joseph Health. “This program is one more way we are improving health and wellness for our patients, families and communities in the southeastern Kentucky area.” 

Learn more about Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) credential requirements and training programs in the state of Kentucky.

About Saint Joseph Health

Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 15 cities, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services to build a healthier future for all. Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Saint Joseph London

Saint Joseph London is a 150-bed full-service hospital located in London, KY. Established in 1926, the facility serves patients from southeastern Kentucky, including those from Clay, Laurel, Jackson, Whitley, Knox and Pulaski counties. The current $152 million regional hospital opened in 2010, and offers all private patient rooms, with most overlooking a small lake and garden on the 52-acre healing environment.