At South Texas Health System McAllen, our commitment to compassionate trauma care extends beyond lifesaving interventions it reaches the hearts of our youngest patients. As an ACS certified Level I Trauma Center, we understand that a child’s experience during a medical emergency can be frightening and overwhelming. To promote emotional support, we introduced the “Trauma Llama” adoption, a comforting plush companion designed to bring calm, courage, and a sense of safety to pediatric trauma patients.
Each child admitted at our facility is given their very own trauma llama with certificate of adoption, serving as a symbol of reassurance and resilience. Whether a patient is recovering from an injury, awaiting a procedure, staying long nights, or transitioning to the next stage of care, this soft friendly llama helps ease anxiety and fosters emotional healing during an often-stressful time.
Beyond its role as a plush toy, the Trauma Llama represents our holistic approach to trauma care acknowledging that recovery involves both the body and the mind. Our trauma surgeons, nurses, and trauma team often see children holding tightly to their llamas throughout their hospital stay, transforming moments of fear, unfamiliar environment, into opportunities for comfort and connection.
The Trauma Llama program is part of our ongoing mission to humanize trauma care and support the wellness of every patient who enters our doors. It is a small act of kindness with a big lasting impact reminding our young survivors that they are not alone on their journey to healing; bring a little extra strength within the family, and recognizing that their mental well-being is just as vital as physical recovery.
