Spotlight on Community Collaboration: A Special Visit from ADM Rachel Levine, M.D.

Asst. Sec. for Health with the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, ADM Rachel Levine, M.D. (center) convenes community meeting at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. L-R Daffany Baker, VP Domestic Violence Services at YWCA Nashville, Sharon K. Roberson, President & CEO YWCA Nashville, ADM Levine, Glenn Funk, District Attorney General for Davidson County, Silvia Torres, U.S. Dept. of Justice

Thursday, April 11, marked a significant day for YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee as we welcomed ADM Rachel Levine,M.D., the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, for a pivotal community meeting. This meeting served as the culmination of ADM Levine's three-day visit to Nashville, focusing on a critical issue close to our hearts: the Domestic Violence Survivor Defendant Diversion Program.

**A Pilot Program with a Purpose**

Led by the office of District Attorney General Glenn Funk, the DV Defendant Diversion program aims to redirect domestic abuse survivors away from the criminal justice system if they are charged with a misdemeanor crime related to their domestic violence status. This innovative pilot program seeks to provide a more compassionate and supportive approach to survivors, recognizing the complexities and challenges they face.

**Uniting Key Community Partners**

The community meeting, hosted at the YWCA administrative offices, brought together a diverse group of key stakeholders committed to supporting survivors. Partners included the TN Dept. of Children’s Services and TN DCS Commissioner Margie Quin, Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, the Legal Aid Society, Neighborhood Health, and the Metro Office of Family Safety, to name a few of the many attendees. The gathering fostered meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and shared commitment towards improving outcomes for survivors.

**A Visit from a Leading Advocate**

ADM Levine's presence was not only an honor but also a testament to the importance of this initiative on a national scale. As the highest-ranking federal official to visit YWCA, ADM Levine's advocacy for survivor well-being resonated profoundly with all attendees.

“At HHS, we believe in survivor well-being,” ADM Levine said. She emphasized that injustice leads to worse health outcomes and highlighted the significance of collaboration among agencies to support survivors effectively.

**Touring the Weaver Domestic Violence Center**

Following the community meeting, ADM Levine visited the YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Center for a firsthand look at our facilities, including Abbie's Safe Home—a dedicated shelter for pets. Thanks to the support from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received from the federal government, YWCA has begun a significant renovation to our 24-year-old shelter, enhancing our capacity to provide a safe haven for survivors and their pets.

**Breaking Down Silos through Collaboration**

ADM Levine's visit underscored the transformative power of collaboration in breaking down silos and fostering a more integrated approach to supporting survivors. The DV Defendant Diversion program serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging agencies to work together towards a common goal of promoting survivor well-being and justice.

ADM Levine's visit was a remarkable opportunity to unite community partners, amplify the importance of the DV Defendant Diversion program, and reaffirm our shared commitment to supporting survivors. As we continue to collaborate and innovate, we are confident that we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence. Together, we are building a safer, more compassionate community for all.