Political Quotes

“Each year, nearly 1 out of 4 Americans sustain an injury requiring medical attention. In 1995, injuries were responsible for 148,000 deaths, 2.6 million hospitalizations, and over 36 million emergency room visits. The direct and indirect cost of injury is estimated to be about $260 billion a year, and the death rate from unintentional injury is more than 50 percent higher in rural areas than in urban areas. It is essential that every American have access to a trauma system that provides definitive care as quickly as possible. In recent years, Congress has worked to address this issue through the Trauma Care Systems Planning and Development Act, which authorizes Federal grants to States for the purpose of planning, implementing, and developing statewide trauma care systems. However, this important program expires this year. Therefore, I am introducing bipartisan legislation today, along with Senators Kennedy and Enzi to reauthorize this important program. Among Americans younger than age 44, trauma is the killer. While injury prevention programs have greatly reduced death and disability, severe injuries will continue to occur. Given the events of September 11, 2001 and our Nation's renewed focus on enhancing disaster preparedness, it is critical that the Federal Government increase its commitment to strengthening programs governing trauma care system planning and development.”