[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S7750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ARKANSAS'S TRAUMA CENTERS

   Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I recognize Arkansas's 
newly established trauma system, and I commend three facilities in the 
State for garnering the highest designations of trauma care.
  The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and 
the Regional Medical Center in Memphis were selected to provide the 
highest level of trauma care under the system, which is aimed at 
getting patients specialized care in emergency situations. Jefferson 
Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff was designated a Level 2 center, 
which can provide comprehensive clinical care.
  The new system will connect hospitals, ambulance services and other 
emergency responders to act as a statewide triage, transporting trauma 
patients as quickly as possible to the facility best able to treat 
their specific injuries. Furthermore, it will help elevate Arkansas's 
status nationwide in terms of large-scale emergency management and 
disaster preparedness capabilities.
  Eighty-six hospitals in Arkansas could eventually become a part of 
the new trauma system. Of those, 73 have already begun the process by 
filing letters of intent to request designation as one of the four 
levels of centers.
  I commend all of Arkansas's health care providers for their dedicated 
efforts to save lives and keep Arkansans safe, healthy and strong. With 
this new trauma system, Arkansas has achieved a new level of high 
quality care, and I am pleased to see our State attain this significant 
designation.

                          ____________________