May is National Trauma Awareness Month. Established by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, National Trauma Awareness Month is a time for all of us to appeal to our state and federal lawmakers to support funding for trauma research and provide resources to local trauma centers. It’s also a good time to provide injury prevention messages to the public and to publicize the locations of trauma centers. Below are some resources for you to use in your own National Trauma Awareness Month campaigns.
House Appropriations Committee
Senate Appropriations Committee
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-4304
202-224-5922
Congressman Lamar Smith
2409 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-4236
Make Auto Safety a Priority -- This includes having properly attached car seats for children (many states require car seats for passengers 8 years old or younger), regularly maintaining your car, and absolutely no using cell phones while driving.
Keep a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit in your Home and Car -- Not every injury qualifies as a traumatic one, of course, but unchecked bleeding can make a moderate injury much worse. A well-stocked first aid kit will help you address anything from everyday cuts to more severe injuries.
Keep Fire Extinguishers in the House -- There should be one in or near the kitchen and the master bedroom. If you have a multi-story house, there should be one for each floor.
Review Your Fire Escape Plan -- Talk to your family about what to do in case of a fire, and know what escape routes you can take out of your house.
Keep Cell Phone Chargers in Your Car, House and Office -- In case of a serious injury, getting qualified first responders to the scene can literally be the difference between life and death, and a properly-charged cell phone can be a lifeline.
Know Where the Closest Trauma Center is -- Only certain hospitals around the country have the resources to be designated as trauma centers, and patients who suffer catastrophic injuries are typically brought to trauma centers by first responders. Use these resources to locate a trauma center near you.
Map and Alphabetical Trauma Center List with Contact Information
Verified Trauma Centers by State
