In 1992 The Texas Legislature, through the Texas Department of Health, divided the state into 22 trauma service areas and established Regional Advisory Councils (RACs).

University Hospital is the lead Level I Trauma Center for Texas Trauma Service Area, and is a member of the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for Trauma (STRAC). The STRAC is charged with continuously improving this region's comprehensive trauma care program.

Significant Points

• Bexar County and South Texas children die from injury more commonly than all other causes of death combined.
• Trauma is the leading cause of death in all age groups between 1 and 44.
• Since development of the South Texas Regional Trauma System, injury death rates have significantly decreased. (TDH-Texas Trauma Registry)