NACASA program transfers to Northern Arizona Healthcare and Victim Witness Services leadership

NACASA, established in 2002, provides trauma-informed medical forensic exams for survivors of sexual assault across northern Arizona. NACASA works with highly trained forensic nurse examiners to provide medical forensic exams for sexual assault and domestic violence strangulation victims within 120 hours of an assault. Exams are available every day of the year, supported by a 24/7 crisis line operated by VWS.

North Country Healthcare has housed and supported NACASA since 2008, expanding and stabilizing the program into the essential regional service it is today. Their leadership ensured survivors across rural and tribal communities had access to timely, trauma-informed forensic medical care close to home. A decision was made this summer to seek a new home for NACASA, one that could accommodate the increasing complexity and evolving medical needs of victims while ensuring long-term sustainability.

“We are incredibly grateful to North Country Healthcare for nearly two decades of dedication to NACASA,” said Jennifer Runge, VWS Executive Director. “Their commitment to survivors has created a strong foundation that ensures this program continues to thrive.”

Beginning Dec. 15, NAH will donate space for medical forensic exams, while VWS will operate NACASA’s 24-hour crisis line, coordinate exam scheduling and offer comprehensive wraparound advocacy services.

“We understand how critical this service is to those who need it, and how important it is to make sure it remains available here in northern Arizona,” said Dave Cheney, NAH President and CEO. “Asking victims who need immediate physical and emotional care to instead spend hours traveling for services only adds to the potential trauma they may have experienced. We’re proud that this new partnership is a way to build on the support we have provided as partners in other ways during the past several years. It is the right thing to do for our community.”

The new structure strengthens regional access to timely, trauma-informed care in northern Arizona.

“Ensuring that survivors of sexual assault receive immediate, compassionate and professional care is a core public-safety priority,” said Ammon Barker, Coconino County Attorney. “This partnership ensures no survivor goes without the medical and advocacy services they deserve. We’re grateful to North Country Healthcare for their years of leadership, and to NAH and VWS for stepping forward to carry this mission forward.”

This co-leadership model ensures seamless integration of medical care and survivor-centered support.

“NAH has stepped forward in an extraordinary way,” said Jennifer Runge, VWS Executive Director. “Their partnership ensures NACASA remains accessible in northern Arizona. Without this program, many survivors would be forced to travel two hours or more to Phoenix for care – an unacceptable barrier during moments of crisis.”

An open house on Jan. 14, 2026, from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. at the Victim Witness Services office, 201 E Birch Ave, Suite 4, invites the public to meet the NACASA program manager, medical director and sexual assault advocate and enjoy refreshments while showing support for the program.

The stabilization and transition of the NACASA program were made possible with support from key community partners and funders, including:

VWS also extends appreciation to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Flagstaff Police Department for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to survivor-centered response.

For anyone who is seeking NACASA services, please call the 24/7 crisis phone number is 928- 856-7676.