Executive hopes to privatize Sexual Assault Crisis Center

County Executive John G. Gary, in his latest privatization venture, said he will explore making the Sexual Assault Crisis Center a self-supporting, nonprofit organization.

The center provides rape crisis intervention, counseling for sexual assault victims and people to accompany them to a hospital, and community education. It also provides staff for the countywide Sexual Assault & General Crisis Hot Line at 222-RAPE (7273).

Mr. Gary said he hoped that privatizing the center would lead to greater community involvement. He has told the county Health Department, his transition team and the Women's Commission to study the issue during the next two months.

He also announced that Candice S. Cason, deputy director of the Health Department's Mental Health and Addictions Division, has been appointed acting director of the center.