In August 2022, Wellstar Health System announced it was shuttering its Atlanta Medical Center (AMC) location, shuttering one of only two Level 1 trauma centers in the city

Following this abrupt announcement, Senator Reverend Warnock joined Georgia delegation members in demanding answers on the closure and urging them to reverse course

Additionally, the Senator pressured Wellstar CEO to release doctors from their non-compete clauses so these medical professionals could continue to practice in Atlanta

In November, the Senator’s staff convened a community roundtable with stakeholders to discuss the future needs of the Atlanta community in the aftermath of AMC’s sudden closing

Senator Warnock, Colleagues to Senate Leadership: “We urge you to fully fund the Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act grant programs at $24 million in FY 2024 to ensure that trauma patients receive the highest quality of care in the event of an emergency and for promoting overall public health and safety”

Washington, D.C. – Following the closure of Wellstar’s Atlanta Medical Center’s Level 1 trauma center, Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) pressured Senate leadership to fully fund grants that support trauma centers in 2024’s government spending bill. The Senator’s effort fulfills a direct request that emerged from November’s health care community stakeholder roundtable convened by the Senator’s staff. Fully funding the trauma center grants under the bipartisan Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act would help ensure that Georgians who experience traumatic injury receive prompt and life-saving care.

“A well-coordinated and efficient trauma system can significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce mortality rates, and prevent long-term disabilities.” Wrote Senator Warnock to Senate Leadership.“In the event of a mass casualty incident or a natural disaster, a ready and well- functioning trauma system is crucial in providing rapid and effective care to those in need. Additionally, trauma system readiness ensures that resources are effectively utilized and that patients are appropriately triaged and transferred to the most appropriate facility for care. Supporting trauma system readiness is especially dire as more major hospitals across the country close, straining the trauma care system and leaving Americans with limited access to trauma care.”

The letter was also signed by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

Read the full letter from Senator Warnock HERE or below:

Dear Chair Baldwin and Ranking Member Capito,

As you begin work on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill, we urge you to maintain a strong commitment to trauma system readiness by funding the Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act grant programs at the fully authorized amount of $24 million for FY 2024. The programs, which were authorized by Sec. 2113 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, are critical for improving trauma care in rural areas and ensuring a coordinated response to emergencies across the country.

Trauma system readiness is essential for ensuring that individuals who experience traumatic injury receive prompt and appropriate care. A well-coordinated and efficient trauma system can significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce mortality rates, and prevent long-term disabilities. In the event of a mass casualty incident or a natural disaster, a ready and well- functioning trauma system is crucial in providing rapid and effective care to those in need. Additionally, trauma system readiness ensures that resources are effectively utilized and that patients are appropriately triaged and transferred to the most appropriate facility for care. Supporting trauma system readiness is especially dire as more major hospitals across the country close, straining the trauma care system and leaving Americans with limited access to trauma care.

Fully funding the bipartisan Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act would allow the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to award grants for trauma centers to strengthen coordination and communication, develop approaches to improve emergency medical and trauma system access, establish evidence-based practices, and conduct activities to support clinical research. Funding would also improve trauma care in rural areas through grants for research and demonstration projects that focus on developing innovative technology, training and education, transportation, prehospital care, and other priorities, greatly benefitting underserved rural communities which often lack access to high-quality trauma care.

Additionally, this funding would enable ASPR to work with states to develop guidance and resources that support emergency medical services and trauma care coordination during public

health emergencies. This would improve the overall response to public health crises and ensure that those in need receive the care they require.

As such, we urge you to fully fund the Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act grant programs at $24 million in FY 2024 to ensure that trauma patients receive the highest quality of care in the event of an emergency and for promoting overall public health and safety.

Sincerely,

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