Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Advisory Council On Trauma Service

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Advisory Council On Trauma Service, also known as the Rio Grande Valley Trauma Regional Advisory Council, is a US nonprofit organization dedicated to improving trauma care in the southernmost region of Texas. It operates within Trauma Service Area V, which includes Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties.

Purpose and Mission

The primary mission of the organization is to address trauma system development and assist member organizations in attaining trauma designation or re-designation. This is achieved through several key objectives:

• Multi-Community Participation: The council encourages participation from various communities to ensure efficient, consistent, and expedited care for individuals with acute injuries.
• Enhanced Assessment and Communication: It aims to improve assessment, triage, and communication between pre-hospital providers and hospitals to facilitate optimal patient treatment and transportation to appropriate trauma facilities.
• Funding and Education: The organization seeks funding resources for medical and public trauma education and awareness, contributing to enhanced community preparedness and response.

Structure and Operations

As a Regional Advisory Council (RAC), the organization is part of a statewide network in Texas, established under legislative mandate to develop and implement regional emergency medical service/trauma system plans. It represents all healthcare entities within its specified Trauma Service Area, including hospitals, physicians, nurses, and emergency medical services (EMS) providers.

Geographic Area

Trauma Service Area V is located at the southernmost tip of Texas, bordering Mexico. The area consists of four counties: Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy. Three of these counties share an international border with Mexico, while two are adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. There are 12 trauma-designated facilities among the region's hospitals.

Role in Public Health

The council plays a crucial role in collecting and reporting data necessary for emergency preparedness and response planning, including hospital bed availability, ICU capacities, and emergency department activity. This data is essential for managing public health emergencies and communicable disease outbreaks within the region.

Financial Overview

The organization receives funding through grants and contributions. As of recent filings, it reported total revenues exceeding $680,000, primarily from grants and program services.

Leadership and Governance

The council is led by a team of executive officers, including an executive director and other key personnel responsible for its strategic and operational management. The organization's leadership ensures that all healthcare entities within the region have equal opportunities to participate in trauma system development and care.