In 2019, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office launched the SAFE Kit Initiative to inventory, test and track the state’s high number of untested sexual assault kits. The ultimate goal is to clear the state’s backlog and obtain justice for victims. 

 In 2022, Jennfier Brooks, RN, BSN, SANE, took on this project for MBSH. She and our SANE-Certified nurses, including, Tara White, RN, SANE, Jennifer Caminiti, Team Lead/Chg RN, SANE, and Jennifer Bell, RN, SANE, and the BJC Safe Manager were committed to putting in the work to successfully inventory and gather backlogged evidence kits.  

Thanks to their hard work, the MBSH ED has formed a new evidence storage process and tracking system that supports the state SAFE Kit Initiative. Brooks commented on this recognition, "It is an honor to receive this award for the exemplary work that has been put in and we are committed to continue focusing on this area."

MBSH President Lisa Lochner realizes how vital this program is to the community and is proud of her team members' efforts to help victims, "The SANE program is a very important service to provide to our patients in need. I am very grateful to the staff who have the willingness to maintain the necessary skills to provide extraordinary care when needed."

Statewide, there are more than 5,246 untested, reported sexual assault kits identified for testing. Nearly 4,476 kits have been submitted to private labs for DNA testing. The remaining kits will be tested using federal grant money.

The SAFE Kit Initiative has received more than 400 combined DNA Index System hits, leading to three felony convictions in Missouri. More than 10 cases are currently pending within the court system.