A sexual assault evidence collection kit is checked in by a forensic analyst for testing in the biology lab at the Houston Forensic Science Center Thursday, April 2, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)(Pat Sullivan/AP / NPR)

Sexual assault is discussed on this program and may be disturbing or triggering for some listeners.

Nearly a decade after the state began processing its backlog of untested rape kits, the 4th Circuit State Attorney’s Office has eliminated the stockpile, even as it continues to prosecute decades-old cases. We discuss the challenges of cold case rape prosecutions, as well as the role that federal funding and advanced DNA testing have played in allowing law enforcement to build successful cases, despite the passage of time.

Guest:

• Chief Assistant State Attorney Adair Newman, 4th Circuit State Attorney’s Office.

Then, state budget cuts take a bite out of the region’s mental health network, including programs focused on racial minorities. We discuss what the cutbacks could mean for local agencies, as well as the stigma, access barriers and social expectations that can create mental health disparities for Black women and girls.

Guest:

• Nicole Davidson-Harshaw, mental health counselor.
• Suzanne Pickett, CEO of Historic Eastside Community Development Corp.

And, Jacksonville University celebrates two local scholars in announcing its 2025 Master in Public Policy Nathaniel Glover Fellows. Recipients receive a full scholarship in pursuit of their master's in public policy as well as a small stipend and an internship in the Jacksonville Mayor’s Office. The fellowship is named for Nat Glover, former Jacksonville sheriff and president of Edward Waters University, who used his law enforcement pension to create an endowed scholarship for needy Jacksonville students.

Guest:

• Erica-Christina Bartley, 2025 Nathanial Glover Fellow, former principal and Teach for America Corps member in Jacksonville.
• Ciara Campbell, 2025 Nathanial Glover Fellow, former teacher and program coordinator for Genesys Works Jacksonville.