Q-POINT
Q-Point Podcast, hosted by Corenna and David Quirk, is a nonpartisan platform for candid conversations with policymakers, public officials, and changemakers shaping Maine and the nation. We go beyond the headlines, diving deep into policy discussions, current events, personal journeys, proposed legislation, and leadership philosophies. From community leaders to government officials and business executives, our guests share their insights, experiences, and perspectives on the issues that matter most.
Guests have included former Maine Governor Paul LePage, Congressman Jared Golden, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows as well as several Gubernatorial and Congressional Candidates - to name a few. Focused on substance over soundbites, Q‑Point explores the real-world impact of legislative decisions, oversight, and public policy.
Broadcast statewide weekend mornings on VOM Radio (101.3, 103.9, or stream from anywhere on the VOM App). Available anytime at QPointPodcast.com or on all major streaming platforms.
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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein. This podcast does not endorse candidates nor should any episode be considered an endorsement.
Q-POINT
“We Don't Have One, and We're the Last in the Nation to Have One.” — Kapaldo on Maine’s Lack of a Statewide Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System
In this episode of the Q-Point Podcast, Corenna and David Quirk sit down with Keri Kapaldo, RN, SAFE Program Coordinator at St. Joseph Hospital, for an in-depth and informative conversation about Maine’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program and the significant gaps that still exist in statewide survivor support.
Kapaldo explains how the SAFE Program operates alongside the emergency department to provide trauma-informed, patient-centered care for individuals impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and other forms of violence. She walks listeners through how SAFE nurses are accessed in Maine, what makes St. Joseph Hospital unique with guaranteed SAFE nurse availability, and why limiting repeated retelling of trauma is essential to patient care.
The conversation also centers on survivor choice — including receiving medical care without evidence collection, the option of anonymous sexual assault kits, and deciding later whether to involve law enforcement. Kapaldo discusses the extensive training required to become a SAFE nurse, how providers manage vicarious trauma, and the role SAFE nurses may play in court proceedings when cases move forward.
A key portion of the episode focuses on Maine’s lack of a statewide sexual assault kit-tracking system. Kapaldo explains why Maine remains the last in the nation without a funded, mandatory statewide system, what that means for survivors, and how pilot programs and proposed legislation aim to bring long-overdue transparency, accountability, and reform.
🔗 To support the SAFE Program at St. Joseph Hospital, visit:
https://stjosephbangor.org/services/emergency-department/safe-nurses/safe-giving/
📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.
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