Kids Clinic Advocates for Young Victims

News and Events
01.28.2011

Kids Clinic Advocates for Young Victims

Together with Allen County Children services, Lima Memorial operates the only clinic in West Central Ohio that cares for children who are victims of sexual abuse.

"We are proud of the Kids' Clinic and to be able to provide this much needed service to the community," said Kyle Erford, emergency center director at Lima Memorial. "Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our communities, and the Kids' Clinic serves as an important outlet in accomplishing that goal. Without this service, children would have to be sent to Toledo, Columbus or Dayton for exams. This clinic is vital to west central Ohio."

The Kids' Clinic operates under the leadership of Medical Director Dr. Frank E. Cunningham, Jr., who is trained in the medical determination of child abuse, along with the assistance of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) nurses who help to staff the clinic. The clinic's multi-disciplinary team of medical, social services, law enforcement and judicial professionals work together to care for the children who are victims of sexual abuse.

Since being established in 2001, Lima Memorial's Kids' Clinic has helped more than 900 children in the region. It is the only program of its kind serving Allen County and the 10 surrounding counties.

For more information or if you encounter a patient that you suspect has been a victim of sexual abuse, please contact the Emergency Center at 419.226.5002.