The new 50:20 Clinic in Beaumont is inspired by Genesis 50:20, a Bible verse that reflects the belief that "healing, hope and restoration can emerge from even life's most difficult experiences," according to a press release from the health system.
The verse says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
The clinic provides trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, elder abuse, child abuse and other forms of interpersonal violence. Services include medical evaluations, forensic care coordination, counseling referrals, safety planning and connections to community support resources.
The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation has committed $1.5 million to help fund clinic construction and support ongoing patient care. The sexual assault nurse examiner services provided by the clinic are not typically reimbursed by insurance, so philanthropic support plays a critical role in sustaining these specialized programs.
Physicians, emergency departments, public health agencies, law enforcement, victim advocacy groups and other community partners will refer patients. The clinic is in a discreet setting to protect patient privacy.
More than one in three women and one in six men experience sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The 50:20 Clinic gives us the opportunity to walk alongside patients throughout their healing journey, providing accessible, reliable care and helping them access the resources they need every step of the way," Rachel Thomas, a nurse practitioner with the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System, said in the release.