Regional leaders in healthcare, victims’ advocacy and justice have come together to strengthen standards of care and treatment for sexual assault survivors.   Key among the advancements is an endeavor by Ballad Health, in partnership with The Branch House Family Justice Center, to bolster services available to sexual assault patients who are admitted to area emergency rooms, connecting them to long-term support that will extend beyond their stay at the hospital. The extension includes the addition of a specialized room at Johnson City Medical Center that will be operated by Branch House and will provide a safe and comforting space for sexual assault patients after they are medically cleared by emergency room clinicians. “For a patient who has just experienced sexual trauma, a clinical setting might not be the warmest or most welcome environment, especially if they’re confused and processing a major trauma,” said Morgan May, chief nursing officer for Ballad Health’s Southern Region, which…