Rush Commends the Announcement of a Level 1 Trauma Center on the South Side

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) released the following statement after the announcement that a Level 1 trauma center will be established at Holy Cross Hospital:

“After more than five years of fighting for a Level 1 adult trauma center on the South Side, a decision to address the needs of a trauma desert has finally come.

“I commend Holy Cross Hospital, Sinai Health System and the University of Chicago for listening to the voices of young people who led this fight for a trauma center. These entities will provide the funding, medical staff, facility and services to serve one of the highest incidences of trauma injury and gun violence in the city.

“This issue has always been a great concern of mine that is why, in 2013, I introduced HR 2660 — Trauma Relief Access for Universal Medical Assistance Act. This bill requested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) allot $100 million for the program of grants to states to promote universal access to trauma care services provided by trauma centers and trauma-related physician specialties.

“We cannot stop here. The leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 44, are traumatic injury and gun violence which has taken a huge toll across the country.

“Trauma deserts are a national issue and I will continue to work toward a solution.”

###