Preventing Trauma, Saving Lives
Trauma is the leading cause of death in Americans under the age of 47. The lives lost make the impact of trauma equal to cancer, heart disease and HIV combined. Fortunately, there’s a cure — prevention.
The doctors, nurses and all other team members at University Health perform complex, lifesaving trauma care. We are also committed to injury prevention. We measure our success by the patients we treat in our Level I trauma center and the people who never need our care thanks to our prevention efforts.
Partners in Injury Prevention
University Health partners with community organizations on programs designed to prevent trauma. We host classes on how to install car seats. We visit schools and educate teens about the consequences of distracted driving. We help older adults avoid falls — a major cause of disability and death. We support a community-wide commitment to safer driving, streets and homes.
Leading by Example
University Health leads Safe Kids San Antonio, a coalition within Safe Kids Worldwide, which works to prevent childhood injuries. We dedicate team members, support and other resources to keep kids in our community safe.
In 2023, University Health earned the inaugural Dr. Martin R. Eichelberger Community Organization Award for its commitment to childhood injury prevention.
Injury Prevention Programs
Injury prevention is the goal so we don’t have to treat patients for traumatic illness or injury. The Injury Prevention Department leads educational programs and workshops on topics such as:
