Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

DHR Health is located in the Rio Grande Valley and is the first  Level 1 Trauma Center south of San Antonio. Our trauma team is available 24/7 to take care of the most complex traumatic injuries.

Some of the injuries we treat are:

• Severe car-crash injuries                             
• Gunshot wounds
• Pelvic fractures
• Stab wounds
• Serious falls
• Spinal cord injuries
• Severe chest trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Complex vascular injuries

 

Taking care of our patients does not end when the patient is discharged from the hospital. We strive to offer ongoing support to our patients and their family members following a traumatic injury. Read about our available resources listed below and view our hospital website to learn more about trauma services at DHR Health.

 

Injury Prevention

Trauma is the number-one cause of death in people 46 and younger. At DHR Health, we are committed not only to treating trauma patients but also to working toward preventing these injuries in the first place. The programs listed below are available to the community at no cost.

BingoCize is an evidence-based program that combines bingo and exercise.This program helps older adults increase balance and strength while also learning strategies to improve their home environments and to avoid falls.

Stop the Bleed is a national campaign to educate the public on the basics of controlling bleeding after injury. Participants are taught how to recognize life-threatening bleeding, pack a wound, and apply a tourniquet.  Monthly classes are held the last Thursday of the month and are open to the community.  Please call 956-362-7257 to reserve your spot.

Impact Teen Driver targets the number-one cause of death in teens in America: distracted and reckless driving. This is a 50-minute presentation for high schoolers that incudes discussions, videos, and interactive activities. Offered in person or virtually.

To host or to register for a class or for injury-prevention information, please call (956) 362-5119 or send an email to DHRTraumaServices@dhr-rgv.com.

Upcoming Programs & Events

Community Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous

https://www.aa.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous provides support and resources for people who struggle with a drinking problem or substance abuse. Confidential group meetings are available throughout the United States and Canada. Use the online locator to find the group and times for meetings near you.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

https://afsp.org/

Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a nonprofit health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education, and advocacy and provides them with the tools to take action against this cause of death. The mission of the AFSP is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

American Trauma Society

https://www.amtrauma.org/

The American Trauma Society is dedicated to the elimination of needless death and disability from injury. For 50 years, the ATS has served as an advocate for the trauma-care system, trauma-prevention programs, and survivors of trauma and their families throughout the United States. Their mission is to save lives, improve care, and empower survivors.

Amputee Coalition

https://www.amputee-coalition.org/

The mission of the Amputee Coalition is to reach out to people affected by limb loss, to empower them to achieve their full potential through education, support, and advocacy, and to promote limb-loss prevention. Resources and information are available for children, adults, and families.

Brain Injury Association of America

https://www.biausa.org/

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) works to advance awareness, research, treatment, and education to improve the quality of life for adults and children affected by brain injury. BIAA is dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury. It has a network of state affiliates, local chapters, and support groups.

National Center for Victims of Crime

https://victimsofcrime.org/

The National Center for Victims of Crimes advocates for stronger rights, protections, and services for crime victims; provides education, training, and evaluation; and serves as a trusted source of current information on victims' issues. The NCVC website helps survivors and families find local assistance, learn about crime and its effects, and browse resources to help victims of crime rebuild their lives. (Also see VictimConnect Resource Center)

National Human Trafficking Hotline

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/

Human Trafficking is a crime in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in sex acts or labor services against their will. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or visit the website.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder

If you have gone through a traumatic experience, it is normal to feel emotions such as distress, fear, helplessness, guilt, shame, and anger. If these symptoms don't go away over time, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Visit the Mental Health America website to find out about PTSD and ways you can help yourself or a family member suffering from PTSD.