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Materials for conducting a sexual assault examination are prepared for the next rape survivor at the Solace Center in Raleigh.
Editor’s note: This article is Part 2 of a two-part investigative series.
For years, if sexual assault survivors in Cumberland County sought care, they could count on going to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, where the hospital’s highly trained and certified sexual assault nurse examiners would provide treatment and gather the forensic evidence needed for law enforcement to build a criminal case against their attacker.
About a year ago, advocates for sexual assault survivors noticed a staffing change, said Deanne Gerdes, executive director of Rape Crisis of Cumberland County.
BPR s Matt Bush speaks with Carolina Public Press lead investigative reporter Kate Martin.
Editor’s note: This article is Part 2 of a two-part investigative series. Part one can be read here.
For years, if sexual assault survivors in Cumberland County sought care, they could count on going to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, where the hospital’s highly trained and certified sexual assault nurse examiners would provide treatment and gather the forensic evidence needed for law enforcement to build a criminal case against their attacker.
About a year ago, advocates for sexual assault survivors noticed a staffing change, said Deanne Gerdes, executive director of Rape Crisis of Cumberland County.
By Mark Starling
New COVID-19 Strain Found In NC
(Raleigh, NC) A new strain of COVID-19 is in North Carolina. Health officials confirmed on Saturday that the more-highly contagious strain was identified in a Charlotte-area adult. It s now been found in more than 20 states. There s no proof yet that the strain causes more severe symptoms, but it does spread at a higher rate.
Buncombe County Looking At Restaurant Capacity Again
(Buncombe County, NC) Indoor dining capacity may be increasing soon in Buncombe County. Commission chairman Brownie Newman will receive a briefing from health officials today, when he is expected to make a decision on the potential increase. The county s current capacity is at 30-percent, while the state s dining rule is 50-percent. Newman will allow a capacity rise if COVID-19 hospitalizations have stabilized or dropped.
Babies born in North Carolina on New Year s Day
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Some central North Carolina families are celebrating 2021 in the most joyous way, by bringing new life into the world.
Demetri Devon Gurley was the first baby born at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Demetri arrived at 12:12 a.m.
He is the son of Devon Gurley and Dorothy E. Bennett of Fayetteville. Demetri weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce and was 20 inches long. I m so excited to have our baby boy finally, said mom Bennett. Everything has been worth it. All the craziness of 2020 has been now worth it and I m glad we re able to bring in 2021 like this.