CAC Honors Local Doctor With Wing Designation

With no platform or available resources at the time, Dunham became a certified instructor and educated the first four Registered Nurses at Shannon in the SANE forensic examination process. Dunham also at the time was serving as the first Medical Director for the CAC and held his position as Medical Director on the CAC Board of Directors for nearly 30 years.  

During the 2019 Capital Campaign for CAC’s new campus located on S. Jackson and S. Bryant in San Angelo, it was determined the need for medical examinations of allegedly abused children to be offered onsite as part of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) response, coordinated by the CAC.

Then MDT leaders met and decided having the medical wing added to the MDT protocols would be beneficial. In 2021, Shannon committed to providing medical services on-site at the CAC for child abuse victims and their families and progress towards this goal began. This would help eliminate any additional steps for medical exams, including children having to travel to Shannon Hospital for the exam, according to CAC. 

In the fall of 2024, children will have the opportunity to receive services of forensic interviews, family advocacy, mental health services, and medical examinations all in one, child-friendly location.

"This also improves the connectivity and flow of the investigative process, giving more services and peace of mind to child abuse victims," CAC stated in a press release. 

“Where the partnership between Shannon and CAC hasn’t always been a public one, especially now to this level, it has always been present and constant,” stated Justin M. DeLoach, Chief Executive Officer of CAC. “The medical evaluation is an important part of the response to suspected child abuse. Therefore, the medical evaluation findings should be shared with and explained to the MDT in a routine and timely manner so concerns can be discussed, and case decisions can be made effectively.”   

This wing of the Hope House: LeGrand Family Facility on the Stephens Campus for Children & Families at CAC will provide forensic medical exams for alleged child abuse victims ages zero to twelve.  

If you suspect or witness child abuse, please report it immediately to the Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or immediately call 9-1-1. 

For more information on the services provided by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas, Inc. call (325) 653-HOPE.