Spreading Hope and Support Through Our 2025 Teal Ribbon Campaign
Honoring Survivors, Inspiring Action
At YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center, we believe in the power of community and hope. Each year during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we join advocates across the country in uplifting survivors and raising awareness about how we can all take part in creating a safer, more supportive world. Our annual Teal Ribbon Campaign is one of the ways we do just that—by fostering community conversations, empowering medical professionals, and offering visible symbols of solidarity.
The Meaning Behind the Teal Ribbon
The teal ribbon has become a powerful emblem of support for survivors of sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. Chosen by survivors and advocates alike, the ribbon is a symbol of commitment—to listening, believing, supporting, and taking action to prevent future harm.
Expanding Our Reach in 2025
This year, we expanded the campaign’s reach to 13 medical facilities across Lancaster County. Recognizing that medical care—whether in the immediate aftermath of trauma or during long-term recovery—plays a crucial role in the healing process, we focused on engaging a broader range of health care providers. Along with local emergency departments, we extended our outreach to include urgent care centers and community-based clinics where survivors may seek follow-up support.
Equipping Providers with Tools for Healing
Participating facilities received training on trauma-informed care and how to compassionately support individuals who disclose experiences of sexual violence. These trainings also included information about the free, confidential services offered by SAPCC. Staff were invited to wear teal ribbons and display campaign posters to help raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations with patients.
Our Community Partners
We are proud to partner with:
Penn State Lancaster Medical Center Emergency Department
UPMC Lititz Emergency Department
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Emergency Department
WellSpan Ephrata Emergency Department
Penn Medicine Urgent Care locations
WellSpan Health Urgent Care locations
Union Community Care
Through these partnerships, we’re building a network of care that is informed, compassionate, and ready to respond. Every ribbon worn and every conversation held is a step toward a community where survivors feel seen, heard, and supported.
A Trauma-Informed Future Starts Here
Trauma can have lasting effects on a person’s physical and emotional well-being—but when we work together to create environments that understand, honor, and uplift survivors, healing becomes possible. We’re grateful to our medical partners for standing with us and with all survivors throughout Lancaster County.
Together, we can build a community rooted in empathy, empowerment, and prevention—one teal ribbon at a time.
About the Author:
Danielle Harvey, CAAP, serves as the Medical Supervisor and Counselor for YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention & Counseling Center. In her role, Danielle has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of personal empowerment and community support on mental health and trauma. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting victim survivors in Lancaster is evident through her leadership in initiatives that promote trauma-informed care.
Beyond her work at YWCA Lancaster, Danielle also chairs the Mental Health and Wellness Committee of the Lancaster County Chooses Love Board, further exemplifying her dedication to fostering a trauma-informed and mentally well community, especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals.