Latest news with #SANE
Associated Press
5 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Penn Highlands State College Partners with SAFE-T System to Provide Support for Victims of Sexual Assault
DuBois, Pennsylvania, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Penn Highlands State College is partnering with Sexual Assault Forensic Examination-Telehealth (SAFE-T) System to enhance sexual assault care in the Centre County region. 'We are excited to partner with SAFE-T System to bring top quality sexual assault care to victims who seek help from our hospital,' said Sarah Lehman, RN, BSN, Director of Nursing for Penn Highlands State College. 'Having expert nurses available 24/7 to support our patients and staff is invaluable.' SAFE-T System was launched with support from the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime as a solution to enhance access to high quality sexual assault care in underserved communities. When someone presents at Penn Highlands State College after experiencing sexual violence, they will immediately have access to a board-certified sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE). SANEs have extensive experience in the provision of sexual assault care and thanks to SAFE-T System's specialized forensic telehealth technology, their expertise can be accessed in the Centre County region. Typically, access to SANEs with this level of training and experience is often limited to large urban sexual assault centers. However, the innovative partnership Penn Highlands State College shares with SAFE-T System makes it possible to have this expertise in this region. The SAFE-T System telehealth SANE (teleSANE) can see the live exam in progress ensuring best practices, proper evidence collection and a safe and supportive environment for the patient. 'The expert nurse appears on the screen where they can talk to and support both the onsite nurse and the patient,' said Sheridan Miyamoto, Assistant Professor of Nursing at Penn State and Director of the SAFE-T Center. 'This is a true partnership. Our goal is to make sure the on-site nurse feels supported and confident during the exam and that the patient knows that they are getting the best care possible.' Sexual assault forensic examinations are free to patients and no cost is incurred for SAFE-T System telehealth support. Forensic examination services are available at Penn Highlands State College Emergency Department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Attachment Corinne G. Laboon Penn Highlands Healthcare 724-258-1339 [email protected]
7NEWS
24-05-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Federal government commits to fixing Australian healthcare system to better help women
Federal health minister Mark Butler has told 7NEWS women seeking help in Australia's healthcare system for a range of issues 'haven't got the proper attention' conceding more needs to be done to fix the crisis. As part of women's health week on 7NEWS, dozens of women have come forward revealing misdiagnoses that could have cost them their lives. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today With endometriosis, a condition causing severe pelvic pain, affecting one in seven women, Butler promised to make it a 'national priority.' 'What we're trying to do is increase the capabilities of GPs, the front-line service for most Australian women to diagnose quickly and to give good support to Australian women with this condition,' he told 7NEWS health editor Jennifer Bechwati. 'We're also opening specialist endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics for women who have particularly severe and complex symptoms to provide specialist support and lastly, the really critical thing is to make sure that women have access to the best available medicines.' Maternity closures The federal government has promised to increase capabilities in public hospitals, where private hospital maternity wards have shut down across the country. But the sector warns it's not enough, foreshadowing more closures this year. Butler says health insurers need to look at changing policy benefits to give women more access to the care they deserve. 'We've said to the insurers that we think they need to consider providing maternity beyond just gold products for private health insurance.' 'A lot of families are buying silver or even bronze products, we think they should consider expanding access to maternity cover beyond just gold product.' Cancer Increased awareness, research and development of treatments for specific cancers have seen survival rates soar over the past two decades. But many are still falling behind. Ovarian cancer, which kills one Australian woman every eight hours, receives only a fraction of funding compared with other cancers, including prostate. Asked whether he will commit to closing that funding gap, the health minister replied: 'We want to see that gap closed, whether it's in access to medicines or the sort of nurse and navigation support that patients and their families need while they're going through the cancer journey.' Mental health As 7NEWS revealed this week, one in two Australian women will be impacted by a mental health issue at some point in their life, with millions now seeking help online. Two thirds of online inquires at SANE, one of Australia's leading mental health groups, are now women. But services targeted at those over the age of 40, who carry significant burden, are in dire need of funding. The federal government has promised to increase free options for women seeking support. 'We don't want affordability to be a barrier to people getting the mental health support that they need, that's why we're opening more Medicare mental health centres,' Butler said. But he conceded staff shortages could hamper those efforts. 'One of the real constraints is we don't have enough psychologists, we don't have enough psychiatrists to provide the support that our community needs right now,' he said. 'During the election campaign we promised to build on the work we did last term in expanding the psychology workforce in particular to make sure that people have that opportunity to go and get support that they need.' Menopause Butler welcomed what he says is a 'growing conversation' on issues associated with menopause and peri menopause, promising to continue making medicines cheaper and supporting GPs to help women through this major transition in life. He said he was 'shocked' to hear that some medical degrees of fix or six years contain only one hour's training on menopause, a condition that impacts half of the patients doctors will see. 'We're increasing the capability of GPs to support women through this phase of their life,' Butler said. 'We're listing new medicines (on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). It had been more than 20 years since there had been a new hormone treatment for women going through menopause on the PBS.' Misogyny Asked how the government plans to fix medical misogyny so women no longer feel dismissed, Butler conceded: 'We know there's much, much more to do.' '(We need) to provide women with more choice, with better access and lower cost. They have a range of issues associated with simply being a woman that haven't got the proper attention in the Australian healthcare system. 'But I think what we've done over the last couple of years to improve choice, to improve access and to improve affordability is making a meaningful difference.' Butler has been re-appointed health and aged care minister, and will take on the new portfolio of NDIS in the re-elected Albanese government.
7NEWS
21-05-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Calls to address Australia's mental health service shortfall as women, often mothers, slip through the cracks
A growing number of Australian women in their 40s and 50s are slipping through the cracks of the country's mental health system, with advocates warning that this silent crisis is worsening and urgent action is needed. Often juggling multiple roles as carers, professionals, and mothers, many women experience unaddressed and untreated mental health challenges, particularly following trauma, family violence, or the pressures of caregiving. They are often left to navigate their darkest moments alone. For women like Lesley, the health system failed to catch her when she needed it most. 'It was more than the baby blues,' she told 7NEWS. 'I couldn't be a mum, I couldn't be myself. 'I had to do something otherwise I wouldn't have been able to actually look after my children.' Lesley's story is similar to many others. Mental health organisation SANE reports that nearly one in two Australian mums will likely face a mental health issue in their lifetime. Many mothers are carrying an extraordinary emotional and physical load. 'Women are more likely to be primary carers and that's on top of the general mental load that we know women often carry, organising, doing the worrying, doing the coordinating of appointments,' SANE chief executive Rachel Green said. 'That's a huge burden for Australian women and mums in particular when they're faced with trying to manage their own wellbeing and that of the family as a whole.' Despite the growing crisis, mental health services targeted for middle-aged women are sparse. Many like Terese, a mother of three living with bipolar disorder, manage by seeking out support within the women in her community. 'I developed a depression and it went untreated. Then the following year I had a manic episode,' she told 7NEWS. 'I would just say to women, you can have mental health that's really well treated, but you can still have episodes. 'You've got to reach out, you've got to form second, third-tier social networks around you.' Both Lesley and Terese turned to online communities for support. Two-thirds of online enquiries to SANE now come from women. But even online, resources designed specifically for this demographic remain limited. 'It's still the mums doing the navigating,' Green said. 'They're doing the searching and trying to find help for themselves and for their families.' Advocates say the burden cannot continue to fall solely on women. They are calling for a shift that includes not only expanded mental health services but also better support in the workplace. 'Employers should be thinking about what are their policies to support mums in the workplace who are playing carer roles, who need to be able to take that time to go and manage appointments, because that's an investment,' Green said. 'I often say that you hire a mum who knows how to get stuff done in the 40-minute window when a newborn sleeps. That's like a superpower.' Terese agrees and has urged others not to suffer in silence. 'Don't go it alone. Don't just bottle it all up,' she said. 'It can be overwhelming. So reach out.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Wayne County, Michigan, man charged with sexual assault of teen in Port Huron
A Wayne County, Michigan, man has been charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct after he reportedly raped a teen girl in the back of his car. Mansoor Obaid, 22, of Hamtramck, reportedly contacted the victim and two other teenagers who live Port Huron through Instagram and made arrangements to meet with them, according to a probable cause affidavit. Obaid reportedly drove from Hamtramck to Port Huron and picked up the victim and the other two teens on Feb. 4, 2024. More news: Police investigating attempted shooting near Pine Grove Park The affidavit states Obaid dropped off two teenagers at an unknown location, then drove the victim to a parking lot and forced her into the back seat of his car. Obaid reportedly raped the victim and forced her to perform sex acts on him while he made a video recording of the assault, court records stated. The incident was later reported to the Port Huron Police Department and the victim underwent a sexual assault nurse examination to produce a SANE kit. The evidence was given to Michigan State Police for a lab analysis which allegedly found Obaid's DNA. He was arraigned on May 16 and was given a $500,000 cash/surety bond. Obaid has been charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a victim between the ages of 13 and 17, each punishable with up to life in prison. Public Defense Attorney Joseph Kanan, who is representing Obaid, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A probable cause conference is scheduled for May 27 before District Court Judge John Monaghan. Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@ This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Michigan man charged with sexual assault of teenage girl in Port Huron
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Eight questions that indicate depression as mental illness in Brits on the rise
Depression has almost doubled since before the pandemic and experts warn social media and family breakdowns are contributing to a 'lost and lonely generation' of Brits Mental illness appears to be increasing across Britain with almost one in five adults now depressed. The Office for National Statistics questioned a representative sample of 4,600 people aged over 16 and found 18% experienced 'moderate to severe depressive symptoms' during April 2025. This is up from 16% the last time this survey was conducted in autumn 2022. The latest edition of the Public Opinions and Social Trends poll indicates 26% of Brits aged 16 to 29 were depressed last month. The mental health charity SANE warns social media and the breakdown of families were contributing to a 'lost and lonely generation'. Overall almost one in five Brits are considered to be depressed which is around double the 10% when survey was conducted before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019/20. Marjorie Wallace, chief executive office at SANE, said: 'Today's alarming figures from the ONS reveal the increasing mental health problems in younger people, which are not just due to more awareness and overdiagnosis as is sometimes claimed, but also likely to be linked to the effects of 24/7 exposure to social media as well as other factors such as the fragmentation of family structure. We are in danger of creating a lost and lonely generation, disconnected from themselves, their families and real friends.' If you need support for your mental health the following resources are available The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to. Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@ Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill. PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal. Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying. If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258. James' Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family Depression rates decreased with age with it affecting 26% of those aged 16 to 29, 20% of those 30 to 49, 18% of those 50 to 69 and 8% of those aged 70 and over. Marjorie Wallace added: 'Without treatment, depression can deteriorate and persist. In severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or suicide. More than 50% of callers to our helpline, particularly younger people, mention self-harm and suicidal thoughts - ten years ago it was 10 to 15%.' Prof Stella Chan, the Charlie Waller Chair in Evidence-based Psychological Treatment at Reading University, said: "Mental health is a serious health challenge in the UK. The data does seem to suggest that mental wellbeing improves with age, which is consistent with research literature in psychology suggesting that as we age, we develop more adaptive ways to maintain a balanced view of life. It is important to remember that depression, stress, and mental health problems can affect anyone at any age and that accessible support for all ages is absolutely vital." Rates of suspected depression shot up in Britain since Covid-19 from 10% prevalence according to the ONS survey covering July 2019 to March 2020. It peaked at around 23% in January to March 2021 at the height of the pandemic and had then started to drop off. The survey from July to August 2021 saw it drop to 17% and by September October 2022 it had fallen again to 16%. The latest national poll shows the first rise since the pandemic. To identify depression the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ8) was devised by experts at Columbia University in the US and pharmaceutical firm Pfizer. Participants answer eight questions such as: 'Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?' The answers ranged from zero (Not at all) to three (Nearly every day). A "depression score" is then produced from zero to 24 and the higher the score, the greater the severity of depressive symptoms. Anything over ten indicates 'moderate to severe depressive symptoms', or suspected depression. Eight questions that may indicate you are depressed Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things? Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless? Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much? Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling tired or having little energy? Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having a poor appetite or overeating? Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling negative about yourself or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down? Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television? Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed; or being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual? Brian Dow, deputy chief executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: "These figures paint a sobering picture of the nation's mental health, with nearly one in five adults now experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and even higher rates among young people. It is deeply concerning that over a quarter of 16 to 29-year-olds are struggling to this extent, and that financial pressures and social isolation are compounding these challenges. "While it is encouraging that most people are taking steps to look after their wellbeing, such as spending time outdoors or with loved ones, we cannot rely on individual action alone to address what is clearly a systemic issue. The fact that people experiencing depressive symptoms are less likely to feel trust, safety or belonging in their communities shows just how vital it is to build environments that foster connection, security and support. "We urgently need targeted investment in mental health services and a cross-government approach that tackles the root causes of mental illness. Only then can we begin to reverse these worrying trends and create a mentally healthier nation for everyone." Prof Kamaldeep Bhui, Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at Oxford University, said: "Levels of depressive symptoms overall have remained stable, which is reassuring and suggesting these have not increased despite political/social and financial issues. Young adults are experiencing more depressive symptoms than older adults, perhaps related to loneliness, but also due to worries about the social political contexts, the cost of living, financial issues and their health. "People with depressive symptoms worried more about these issues, and were less trusting of others, perhaps leading to isolation, loneliness, and reticence about help seeking and any information they received. The reasons older people experience less depressive symptoms warrants some investigation, although one could speculate they may be more financial and socially stable, with choice and opportunities that younger people do not have. "Activities people found helpful for wellbeing were spending time outdoors, time with family and friends, being physically active and taking a balanced diet."
