After 14 years of operating as the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, or SEMO-NASV, the advocacy and medical center announced Wednesday it's changing its name.

Beginning March 31, SEMO-NASV, which provides medical forensics, counseling and prevention education to area victims of sexual violence, will be Beacon Health Center.

"This name is reflective of the diversity of care we now offer besides medical forensics," said Tammy Gwaltney, president and CEO, in a news release sent by the agency. "It is a name that is more customer friendly and positive."

Gwaltney said NASV's board and administration has been discussing the name change for several years and with the expansion in services and locations the time was right to do it this month. The agency now has offices in Perryville, Mo., and Benton, Mo.

Gwaltney added that choosing Beacon Health Center as the new name is an indicator of what its staff tries to do for its clients -- provide a place for hope and healing.

"The name just seemed to fit. We felt it was OK now to get away from having a name that was really just a common denominator of what we do," she said. "We are really growing geographically and with the amount and type of services we offer."

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