Trauma Centers Need Funds to Do Job
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Tragedies involving people injured by violent crime are increasing in Orange County. Once these victims’ initial recovery is over, they are often left to cope with little support. While all victims receive quality care in a trauma center, once discharged for rehabilitation, their ability to pay is a major factor in their ongoing treatment.
This nationwide problem exemplifies the need for health care reform and is also extremely frustrating for trauma center personnel who work hard for their patients’ full recovery.
Your reporting was shortsighted, however, regarding the restaurant security guard who was shot while on the job (“For Victims of Violence, Aftermath is Ordeal,” March 28). He has children to support and no health insurance, and your article suggested that the trauma center should not have sent him the bill.
You should have asked why his employer has not covered his injuries, which occurred on the job. You should also be aware that if the costs of trauma centers are not funded, they will close for all injury victims.
GREG BISHOP
Irvine
Greg Bishop was previously director of Trauma 2000, a collaborative project with the business community to stabilize Orange County’s trauma system.
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