EDISON – The Middlesex County Public Health Department Rape Crisis Intervention Center has set up a volunteer program open to Middlesex County residents age 18 and older.
The center offers a 24-hour hotline, 24- hour medical, police, and court accompaniment, 24-hour access to the private examination room for forensic evidence collection, individual counseling for survivors and significant others, group counseling, information, referrals, advocacy, community education and training, and confidential sexual violence advocate programs.
Confidential sexual violence advocates are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via the 24-hour hotline, and counseling services are provided Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and two to three nights a week by appointment.
“If someone requires more assistance than we are able to provide, we can provide referrals and assist them in obtaining needed services,” said David A. Papi, the director and health officer of the Middlesex County Public Health Department.
The center has been a part of Middlesex County government since 1977 and came under the support of the Public Health Department in 1998.
The volunteer program began in the fall of 1998 and requires the volunteer to have reliable transportation, but more importantly, be caring, compassionate, openminded and nonjudgmental. Students and retirees are welcome as well as volunteers who speak additional languages. No experience is necessary, and over 50 hours of training will be provided.
The Middlesex County Public Health Department clinic is located at 29 Oakwood Ave. in Edison. For more information, visit http://co.middlesex.nu.us/publichealth.