Rockford Sun

The Family Peace Center has announced a new collaboration with Mercyhealth’s Family Medicine Residency Program. This initiative, starting in July, will provide crucial medical services to survivors of domestic violence. Resident doctors, who have completed their medical education and are practicing under supervision, will be available at the Family Peace Center every Friday morning.

These residents are set to offer trauma-informed care to survivors and their children. The services include routine checkups, management of chronic health conditions, treatment for acute injuries, and help with prescriptions. This partnership aims to address the significant barriers that survivors face in accessing healthcare after experiencing abuse.

Participating residents have undergone specialized training provided by Family Peace Center staff and a local survivor. This training emphasizes delivering care that respects safety, dignity, and healing.

“This partnership helps fill a huge gap in care for the survivors in our community,” stated Jennifer Cacciapaglia, Executive Director of Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention. She highlighted the importance of removing barriers to essential services for trauma recovery.

Dr. John Dorsey, Mercyhealth Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Mercyhealth is enthusiastic about this new partnership that will provide such an important need to some of our most vulnerable community members.” He also noted the benefits for the residency program through additional training from Family Peace Center staff and insights from survivors.

This partnership marks another step in Rockford's efforts to support survivors and foster a safe community environment.