Medication Program

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

To provide optimal support to one of the most vulnerable populations in the community, Broward County’s only certified Sexual Assault Program, Child Advocacy Center, and Child Protection Team, located at the Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC), implemented a medication program in which survivors of sexual assault and victims of child sexual abuse have access to prophylaxis medication. This medication is provided on-site to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases in patients and to provide emergency contraception to decrease the risk of pregnancy related to the sexual assault. Patients are provided access to complimentary medication on site after being evaluated. This increased support to survivors is a vital step in their survival journey to managing the potentially devastating impact of sexual assault and sexual abuse. One of the most important features of the program is that medication is provided at no cost. Previously, patients were provided with a prescription that had to be filled at another facility with the patient bearing the cost of a copay, or out-of-pocket cost. This program was initiated in early 2022, the agency has provided approximately 129 patients with medication onsite, mitigating additional negative outcomes of sexual assault and child sexual abuse.