Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton Wednesday announced that the transition of the Memphis and Sexual Assault Resource Center (MSARC) from the City of Memphis to Shelby County Government “has been successfully completed.”

MSARC is now officially part of the operations of the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department.

 “Since the initial announcement on June 8 discussing the transition of MSARC to the Health Department, department officials have been working diligently to ensure appropriate coordination and communications between all agencies and offices which use the services of MSARC, and to ensure there are no service gaps,” said Wharton.

While work is continuing on the long-term plan to ensure that MSARC operates at its highest level of efficiency and effectiveness, county officials moved to assure the public to use MSARC services if needed.

“We want people to feel comfortable using MSARC and to know that this transition will not affect the care that they may receive,” said Yvonne Madlock, Director of the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department.

“MSARC’s resources are available to adults and children at any time should these resources be required.”

MSARC provides a full range of services to children, adolescents, and adults who have been the victims of sexual assault. Such services include providing forensic examinations, prophy­laxis treatment, advocacy and counseling for victims of sexual assault in Shelby County and surrounding areas.

MSARC remains in its location at 2675 Union Extended. Citizens can call 901-272-2020 (a hotline available and answered 24 hours/seven days a week) if assistance is needed.