Fort Worth – In a ceremony on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (D‑Fort Worth) handed a $1 million check to JPS Health Network to strengthen its forensic nursing program. The funding will allow JPS to increase the number of full‑time forensic nurse examiners, ensuring that victims of violence receive timely medical care and proper evidence preservation.
Expanding critical services for victims
Forensic nurses are specially trained professionals who provide medical treatment, emotional support, and evidence collection for victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes. In 2025, JPS forensic nurses cared for more than 1,480 patients and performed 364 sexual‑assault examinations. So far in 2026, the program has already assisted 1,196 victims and completed 285 examinations.
“I believe this investment will help expand that work and bring the expertise to more communities and helping victims truly get the help that they need,” Rep. Veasey said at the event.
Staffing goals and community impact
JPS currently employs ten forensic nurse examiners—three full‑time and seven on an on‑call team. Program manager Priscilla Kenyon explained that the new grant will fund additional full‑time staff, with the goal of having a forensic nurse examiner on shift at all times. The on‑call roster is expected to grow to about 20 members, and three more staff nurses will be added.
Limited staffing has sometimes forced the team to prioritize sexual‑assault cases over other forms of intimate‑partner violence, leading to longer wait times for some victims. “With the expansion efforts, we’ll be able to have that backup person on call who can come in and provide that victim with the same services,” Kenyon said.
Broader regional support
The $1 million grant complements a $1.3 million allocation from Tarrant County, the city of Fort Worth, and UNT Health Fort Worth received in April for DNA testing, including the processing of rape kits. Together, these resources enhance the ability of law‑enforcement and health officials to collect and preserve critical evidence, increasing the likelihood of successful prosecutions.
Dr. Karen Duncan, president and CEO of JPS, emphasized the life‑changing impact of forensic nursing. “For someone who has experienced assault or another form of violence, the decision to seek medical attention can require tremendous courage, and in those moments, the care they receive can make a lasting difference,” she said.
Why this matters for families and faith‑based communities
Strong, compassionate care for victims aligns with the values of traditional families and faith‑centered communities that prioritize the safety and dignity of every individual. By expanding forensic nursing services, JPS helps protect the most vulnerable members of our neighborhoods and upholds the constitutional right to due process and fair treatment under the law.
The funding demonstrates a partnership between elected officials and local health providers, reflecting a shared commitment to safeguarding families and preserving justice in Tarrant County.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
