STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Aspirus Health is committed to strengthening the health and well‑being of the communities it serves, including by supporting opportunities for education, healing, and connection. This year, Aspirus Health helped fund Mid-State Technical College’s Community Conversations event, From Survival to Strength: Resilience in the Face of Trauma, featuring nationally recognized advocate Elizabeth Smart.
Amy Riegert, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner with Aspirus Health, attended the event and reflected on Smart’s message. “Meeting Elizabeth Smart in person was truly an honor. She is an incredibly genuine and authentic speaker whose openness leaves a lasting impression,” Riegert said. “Hearing her share her experiences underscored how far trauma‑informed care has come since 2002, when it was not yet widely understood or implemented.”
Smart, who survived a highly publicized kidnapping as a teenager, has become a powerful voice for hope and recovery. Her presentation focused on overcoming extreme adversity, promoting child safety and prevention, empowering survivors, and navigating life’s unexpected challenges. The event was held on Tuesday, April 7 at Sentry Theater in Stevens Point.
Riegert also noted that Smart’s reflections highlight the importance of compassionate, patient‑centered care. “Her story is a powerful reminder of how the approach to care can influence a patient’s healing,” she said. “I am grateful that trauma‑informed forensic exams are now recognized as essential, and her experience reinforces why SANE nursing and continued advocacy matter.”
By helping fund Community Conversations, Aspirus Health is ensuring that residents across the region have access to meaningful dialogue and resources around trauma, resilience, and healing.
For more information about the Aspirus Health’s commitment to the community, visit https://www.aspirus.org/community-commitment.