DHR Health Expands Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Services for Cameron and Willacy Counties

Cameron and Willacy Counties, Texas: DHR Health announced today the opening of a Safe H.A.V.E.N. (Helping All Violent Encounters Now) Forensic Exam Center which will be located inside DHR Health Brownsville hospital at 4750 N. Expressway in Brownsville. The specialized program will be dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for both children and adults who have been victims of abuse or assault. Additionally, the forensic exam center will be dedicated to serving residents of Cameron and Willacy counties, working with each counties district attorney office representatives and respective law enforcement entities. This is DHR Health’s second forensic exam center. The first one opened in its main hospital located in Edinburg, which has been operational since it opened in 2017 and serving residents in Hidalgo and Starr counties.

The Safe H.A.V.E.N. Forensic Exam Center program is designed to provide a secure and supportive environment where survivors can receive immediate medical care, forensic examinations and emotional support. DHR Health’s forensic exam center provides highly trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) that are available around the clock to provide specialized services while ensuring patients are treated with dignity and respect. Medical director of the forensic exam center is Dr. Javier Cortinas and Rosa Hernandez is the Forensic Nurse Manager.

“This center shows what we can achieve when healthcare, law enforcement, and advocacy come together. At DHR Health, we believe every victim deserves compassionate care close to home, and the Safe H.A.V.E.N. Forensic Exam Center strengthens our region’s ability to respond, heal, and deliver justice,” said Marissa Castaneda, senior executive vice president at DHR Health.

During a forensic exam, a SANE nurse will: obtain patient’s informed consent and history, perform a head to toe physical examination, evaluate patient for injuries, collect evidence and obtain photograph documentation (if applicable) provide STI (sexually transmitted infections) testing, safety discharge planning and counseling referral.

District Attorney Offices of Cameron and Willacy counties, together with the counties respective law enforcement entities, will also play a vital role in the center’s mission, as they will help to ensure survivors of abuse or assault have access to justice, if they choose to pursue it.  The collaboration between DHR Health, district attorney offices and law enforcement personnel ensures that forensics evidence is collected properly, cases are documented thoroughly, and survivors have advocates alongside them throughput the process.

“The launch of forensic services at DHR Health in Brownsville marks a significant milestone in our mission to support abuse and assault survivors with compassion and exceptional medical care. This initiative goes beyond treatment—it’s about restoring dignity, empowering healing, and reaffirming our commitment to those who need us most,” said Dr. Javier Cortinas, DHR Health Emergency Department medical chair and medical director of the forensic program.

Rosa Hernandez, DHR Health forensic nurse manager manger echoed Cortinas comments.

“By establishing the second Safe H.A.V.E.N. Forensic Exam Center at our hospital in Brownsville, we are reaffirming our commitment to serving the most vulnerable in this community and ensure survivors of abuse and assault have access to the highest standard of care in their time of need.”

In addition to providing forensic medical exams, the center will connect patients with counseling services, advocacy and referrals to community partners who can assist with legal and social support. If you or someone you know has been a victim of abuse or assault, the Safe H.A.V.E.N. Forensic Exam Center at DHR Health is available 24/7. For immediate help, call (956) 362-7769.