Deborah “Deb” Flowers began her career as an Emergency Medical Technician in a rural North Carolina community before becoming a Registered Nurse. In 1988, she joined the University of North Carolina (UNC) State Hospital, where she dedicated over three decades of service until her “retirement” in 2019.

In the mid-1990s, Deb’s career took a pivotal turn when she was invited to participate in one of the first-ever Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) courses. At the time, she had no idea how profoundly this training would shape her future—and the lives of countless victims of sexual violence.

Reflecting on the care provided to sexual assault patients before her SANE training, Deb recognized the critical need for improvement. Armed with new knowledge and skills, she became determined to enhance the quality of care for these patients. In 1998, she and a colleague took action, launching the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program in the UNC Emergency Department, laying the foundation for a program that would transform patient care for years to come.

After years of advocating for victims of sexual violence, in 2007, Deb returned to school to expand her scope of practice, becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner with UNC’s Child Medical Evaluation Program. She served as a Nurse Consultant for the program and provided inpatient consultations for children with suspected non-accidental trauma. Deb also established and participated in numerous multidisciplinary teams, ensuring each case was reviewed collaboratively and comprehensively.

In 2019, Deb joined Southmountain Children and Family Services, bringing her extensive expertise in pediatric care and advocacy to the team. As the medical provider at the Harnett County and Moore County Children’s Advocacy Centers, she plays a vital role in providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to children and families. Deb’s dedication continues to impact the lives of those she serves, fostering hope and healing in our community.