Molly Lancaster Receives BRAVE Award for Compassionate Leadership in SANE Program

It’s not easy for Molly Lancaster to be in the spotlight. She’s not one to seek it out. But when you’ve dedicated your career to being present for people in their darkest hours, sometimes the light finds you anyway.

Molly, a nurse leader at Owensboro Health, was recently honored with the 2025 BRAVE Award, a statewide recognition for professionals who go above and beyond to support survivors of sexual violence. This is Molly's first award, and it’s a meaningful one.

“It means that what I’m doing matters,” Molly said. “That people see the need for this care, and the difference it can make in a survivor’s life.”

Molly became a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in 2018 when she worked in an emergency department in Murray. After witnessing firsthand how long survivors had to wait for care, she knew there had to be a better way. So she trained. She stepped up.

Now, she’s not only a SANE nurse—she’s the one leading the charge at Owensboro Health.

In the past few years, Molly has helped build a robust SANE nurse program across the health system. Owensboro Health Regional Hospital now has 16 certified SANE nurses, offering 24/7 coverage. Twin Lakes has eight and Muhlenberg County’s facility has four, both working toward round-the-clock readiness.

Molly also leads SANE nurse training, offering four weeklong courses a year, open to any nurse at no cost thanks to funding secured by Owensboro Health Foundation. Nurses gain clinical skills, build trauma-informed care knowledge and walk away with Kentucky Board of Nursing credentials. It’s hands-on and practical—exactly how Molly likes it.

She built the course materials herself, from scratch.

“It took a lot of time,” she said. “But I wanted it to be real—something that actually helps nurses feel prepared.”

The SANE program does more than care for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child and elder abuse in the emergency department. They work alongside community advocates from the local crisis center, New Beginnings, who offer support during exams, court appearances and therapy.

One moment stands out for Molly. A woman came to the emergency department after surviving domestic violence. She was at her lowest point. Months later, Molly ran into that same woman, and she was safe, strong and thriving. She remembered Molly and the kindness, the resources and the hope that things could be better.

“That’s why I tell our nurses to offer support and resources every time,” Lancaster said. “You never know when someone will be ready to take that step.”

Molly’s June training session is already scheduled. The demand is high, but she’s committed.

“I just want people to know—if you have questions, if you need help, I’m here,” she said.

Her work is quiet but powerful, and her impact on the people she serves is life-changing.

Anyone interested in becoming a SANE nurse or learning more about the training can email Molly directly at Molly.Lancaster@OwensboroHealth.org.