Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns (D-NY) introduced legislation aimed at stabilizing the nation’s trauma care system.  The bill provides grants to trauma centers: specialized hospitals that provide expert care for injuries, resulting from high-impact accidents, falls, and assaults.  Congressman Towns introduced the bill, called the National Trauma Center Stabilization Act, as a bi-partisan effort with Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX), Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

“Trauma care centers save lives," said Congressman Towns.  "Providing quality, comprehensive and timely medical attention for the seriously injured is a significant health concern that we cannot ignore. That is why I have introduced this bill to address the closures and downgrades of trauma centers that threaten the safety of all Americans,” Towns said emphatically. “With the implementation of The National Trauma Center Stabilization Act, Americans can feel comfortable knowing that the continued availability of life-saving trauma care is available when and where it is needed.”

Currently, approximately 500 of the nation’s 6000 hospitals serve as trauma centers.  Trauma centers treat all patients who come through their doors without regard to ability to pay; as a result, they shoulder an estimated $230 million per year in uncompensated care costs.  Trauma centers of all levels house physicians and support staff in as many as 16 specialties on a 24/7 basis to treat traumatic injuries.  It has been found that victims of traumatic injury have the best chance of survival if they receive care at a trauma center within the so-called “golden hour” after the injury occurs. However, traumatic injury is still a leading cause of death among people under the age of 34.

Dr. Ron Anderson, President and CEO of Parkland Health and Hospital System and Chairman Emeritus/Founder of the National Foundation for Trauma Care (NFTC) commented, “We must do whatever possible to secure the economic viability of America’s trauma centers. The NFTC applauds the congressional leadership on this vital issue, particularly the efforts of Rep. Edolphus Towns and his chief co-sponsor Rep. Michael Burgess. Our membership is challenged by the current strain under which our nation’s trauma centers now operate and this legislation will provide much needed relief.”

“Traumas are life or limb-threatening injuries or wounds demanding on-the-spot attention by a team of expert healthcare professionals,” explained LaRay Brown, the Senior Vice President of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, which runs six trauma centers in New York City public hospitals.  Brown continued, “While many injuries can be treated at the nearest hospital's emergency room, life-threatening traumatic injuries need specialized care that is administered only at an accredited trauma center. HHC is grateful for Congressman Town's continued support of the New York City public hospital system and his leadership on this important issue."

The legislation introduced by Towns will provide assistance for economically distressed trauma centers by extending targeted federal funding to centers facing the highest levels of uncompensated care costs.  Since 2000, 29 trauma centers have closed or downgraded levels, according to the National Foundation for Trauma Care. The bill also provides emergency funding to prevent trauma center closures or downgrades, and to assist centers in areas that have been affected by a natural disaster or terrorist attack. Finally, the bill offers financial support for core mission services and the development of critical information technology related to trauma services.

Congressman Towns concluded, "I believe that this legislation will ultimately strengthen and support trauma centers, but most importantly, it is going to help people -- those who suffer and even die from sudden and acute injuries due to the inaccessibility or lack of trauma treatment services."

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