For survivors of sexual assault, seeking medical care can be an overwhelming and retraumatizing experience. #NotInMyCity understands the importance of trauma-informed care and is shining a light on a clinic dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered support.
Traditional hospital settings, with bright lights, sterile environments and busy emergency rooms, can exacerbate feelings of vulnerability and distress. Recognizing this, the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) has partnered with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to create a unique, off-site medical suite within the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence (SKCOE), offering a comforting alternative for patients in need.
A survivor of human trafficking was brought in to assess the suite and ensure it would meet the needs of a trafficking victim. This is a new frontier in the fight against human trafficking and is supported by AHS, CACAC and #NIMC, ensuring a compassionate and survivor-centred approach to this medical care.
As more patients, and younger ones, began coming in reporting sexual trauma and other injuries, the question was asked why the situation was getting worse. Human trafficking was one explanation. This led to the SART team at the Red Deer Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department to introduce the first program in Alberta, and possibly Canada, to help screen for child sexual exploitation. The results were staggering, in 2022, 50% of youth seen by the SART team were recognized as high risk or confirmed for sex trafficking. After the implementation of the child exploitation screening tool, the number of youths identified rose to over 70% for the past two years, highlighting the significance of the screening tool in recognizing those most at risk.
Within the broader SKCOE Truant Family Medical Suite space is Maddison’s Room, a private examination room named in honor of a young woman who lost her life to human trafficking, but whose story represents strength, resilience, and the need for supportive, trauma-informed care. #NotInMyCity funded Maddison’s Room to honor her story and raise awareness for the many others impacted by human trafficking.
The examination room also recognizes the many other experiences that fall under the umbrella of sexual violence, including sexual assault and intimate partner violence (IPV). This space was created to meet individuals where they are, in a setting that prioritizes their dignity, safety, and healing, regardless of how or why they arrive. Maddison’s Room stands as a symbol of compassion and care for anyone seeking support.
This welcoming waiting room is designed to reduce stress and offer a warm, comfortable space for patients and their loved ones.
A Thoughtfully Designed Space
From the moment patients arrive at the SKCOE Truant Family Medical Suite, they are met with warmth, privacy, and compassion. Free parking near the entrance and a private, secure stairway known as the “Stairway of Courage” is lined with messages of encouragement, setting the tone for a supportive experience. Ronnie Biletsky, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner at the Truant Family Medical Suite, says, “there is always a nurse to greet each patient upon arrival, walking alongside them every step of the way.”
Once inside, the medical suite is designed to feel more like a wellness retreat than a clinic. Large windows bathe the space in natural light, while a fully stocked food station ensures snacks and refreshments are available. The waiting area is welcoming, and a barrier-free bathroom provides access to toiletries and hygiene products. A chalkboard in the restroom allows patients to leave messages of hope or communicate safety concerns discreetly.
Personalized and Trauma-Informed Care
Each detail within the medical suite has been carefully chosen based on years of patient feedback. Biletsky says “the nurse provides several care options and the patient makes all the decisions about their treatment.” Comfort and dignity are top of mind for the space with handmade quilts, warmed blankets and medical furniture, including a chair that reclines into an exam bed. A warmed speculum drawer, front-closing gowns, and an essential oils diffuser add to the calming atmosphere.
For trauma patients, this space provides an alternative to hospital-based treatment when clinically appropriate, without compromising quality of care. While the clinic is nurse-led, a physician from Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre oversees treatment virtually, ensuring physician medical expertise is always accessible. The clinic operates on an on-call basis, meaning patients receive one-on-one care without the pressure of a busy hospital environment. The patient will be the only patient in the medical suite, providing additional confidentiality and anonymity.
This thoughtfully designed exam room and chair were created with patient input, ensuring comfort based on their preferences, likes, and needs.
Emotional and Psychological Support
The SKCOE Truant Family Medical Suite is not just about physical healing, it also prioritizes emotional well-being. Advocates are available to provide critical support to patients and their families, offering information on resources and referrals. Patients are given choices throughout their visit, ensuring their autonomy is respected.
Facility support dogs, Carter and Quinn, “play an essential role in the healing process, offering comfort to those who need it most,” says Biletsky. The clinic also incorporates sensory tools such as fidget spinners for distraction during procedures and sour candies to help regulate emotions during moments of anxiety or distress.
Carter and Quinn, loving support dogs on duty, are ready to bring comfort and smiles to patients at the clinic.
Ongoing Care and Community Support
Their support doesn’t end when patients leave the suite. CASART (Central Alberta Sexual Assault Response Team) follows up with lab results and offers ongoing assistance for 12 weeks. Patients can access mental health resources, connect with the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) for safety planning, and receive priority counseling services through Sendero, SKCOE’s partner agency.
Any youth seen through the program receives additional support through CACAC’s multidisciplinary intake table, ensuring they are connected to the services they need. Whether it’s legal support, counseling, or long-term advocacy, the SKCOE Truant Family Medical Suite team is committed to walking with survivors every step of the way.
One of the many uplifting messages inside the clinic. You’ll find them in the bathroom, stairwell, snack station, and exam room.
A Model for the Future
The SKCOE Truant Family Medical Suite is more than just a clinic, but a beacon of hope for many. By integrating trauma-informed design with holistic care, it sets a new standard for supporting survivors of sexual assault. Every element, from warm socks and journals to music players and private consultation areas, is designed to remind patients that they are not alone.
As exploitation becomes more rampant, the need for safe, trauma-informed medical clinics has never been more urgent. That’s why the involvement of individuals with lived experience is so critical as they help shape spaces and protocols that reflect real needs. This groundbreaking work is made possible through strong partnerships, including the support of #NIMC, Alberta Health Services, and CACAC. With their backing, the Truant Suite is leading a new frontier in medical care.
With its emphasis on dignity, safety, and healing, Truant Family Medical Suite proves that compassionate care can make all the difference. This one-of-a-kind facility is not just treating trauma, it’s helping survivors reclaim their strength.
