WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Representatives from area trauma centers will meet to hear about a new proposal a North Carolina senator says will provide funding for trauma services, research and education.
The proposal, Senate Bill 1435, calls for an increase in the current fine for drivers convicted of a DWI. Currently, the law requires drivers to pay $50 to get their license back. The proposed bill asks that the fee be raised to $150 and that the additional monies be used to fund local trauma centers’ programs and research.
The meeting to discuss the bill will be held on Thursday, August 29 at 1 p.m. at the Hawthorne Inn off Business 40 in Winston-Salem. State Senator Charles Carter (District 28) will describe the proposed legislation to the members of the Triad Trauma Regional Advisory Committee.
“We would like to improve our continuity of care within our trauma centers statewide,” said Gail Kluttz, RN, and triad trauma regional coordinator. “Many rural areas don’t have the funding to train their emergency workers or for educating the public on how trauma services can best serve them.”
There are 11 North Carolina hospitals designated as trauma centers. In the Triad, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is the only level one trauma center. Representatives from over 33 hospitals in 19 Piedmont counties plan to attend the meeting.
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Media contact: Rae Beasley, 336.716.6878