This letter is to commend Representative Dana McLean for her work to secure rape kits for all hospital emergency rooms in the state. The measure she supported during the 2025 regular session, SB2211, authored by Senator Angela Hill, was the result of discoveries that many hospitals were not prepared to serve sexual assault victims who presented at their emergency rooms.
In order to effectively prosecute sexual assault offenders, taking samples via a rape kit at the earliest possible time is necessary. In fact, the timing is urgent.
Unfortunately, a number of reports of sexual assault victims being turned away and made to drive hours to find a hospital that could collect the evidence created the urgent push to require all emergency rooms have rape kits available and medical staff to apply them.
Rep. McLean’s efforts included bringing the issue before the press with an advocacy group presentation consisting of sexual assault caregivers, law enforcement officers, legislators from both sides of the aisle, victims of sexual assault, and advocates against sexual assault.
Rep. McLean expertly threaded the various machinations of legislative rules and personalities to surface with a final product that was overwhelmingly approved by legislative members.
Yes, there are many individuals who will never know who made the effort to make sure they were treated compassionately and appropriately after they’ve undergone a terrifying personal nightmare. But, we will know.
And, as an advocate who helped establish the first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program in Mississippi, I say Rep. McLean has earned a spot at the top of my heroine list.
Pam Johnson
Brandon, MS
Former Board President
The Center for Violence Prevention
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