At Cox Medical Center Branson, compassion doesn’t stop at patient care—it extends to every member of the team. Thanks to the insight and heart of Angie Smith, Patient Safety Coordinator and registered nurse, employees facing domestic violence now have access to critical resources through a discreet and supportive program called the Safe House Project.
In her role, Angie works behind the scenes to prevent injuries, address medication safety, monitor quality metrics, and ensure sterile processes. She also used to be involved in workplace violence reviews—an aspect of her job that would ultimately spark a life-changing initiative.
“It came out of one of our workplace violence meetings,” Angie recalls. “We realized that employees come from all kinds of backgrounds. You never know what they’re going through at home before they come in and care for their patients.” That realization led Angie to a leadership team member, and together, they began brainstorming ways to support employees who may be facing domestic abuse. The idea for the Safe House Project was born.
With a clear vision in mind, Angie wrote a heartfelt letter to Skaggs Foundation, requesting funds to bring the idea to life. On July 9, 2021, the first Safe House bags were prepared—each one filled with hygiene items, bottled water, snacks, and vital information about where to seek help. The goal was simple: to provide immediate
support, resources, and a message of hope. “I am hoping to help eliminate some of the worry or concern that these employees may be facing at home,” Angie says. “We are family here. They don’t have to do this alone.”
These go bags are now available to any employee—no questions asked. Unit managers are equipped with information about the program and flyers explaining what the bags are and where they can be found. The impact has already been profound. Angie has been thanked in hallways by grateful coworkers, and she was even invited to serve on the board of a local domestic violence shelter. One particularly moving story involved a manager who reached out to Angie for help with an employee living in her car with her child, trying to escape an abusive husband. With the help of the Safe House Project, the manager was able to guide the employee toward safety and support.
Angie’s message to anyone facing domestic violence is both heartfelt and powerful: “Know that you are not alone. There are resources and others who have been through similar situations that want to help.”
