Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM May 2019 | Page 14

HEALTHCARE ASHLEA QUINONEZ Director, Local & Community Relations | Memorial Hermann Health System Chair, Legislative Affairs Committee, League City Regional Chamber of Commerce [email protected] Business Advocacy MATTERS T he state legislature is in full swing with hundreds of bills being heard in committee, significant issues being vigorously discussed, votes being taken and the end of the session on the horizon. One of the most significant legislative issues healthcare professionals have been focused upon is maintaining funding for the region’s trauma care network. Every four minutes, someone in Texas is faced with an unexpected traumatic injury. Every one of us knows one of these trauma victims, or we have been one of them. When these tragic events occur, we expect a local trauma room to be available and to have trained professionals ready to provide healing care. Houston is a hub for trauma care in the state. Memorial Hermann, which is home to one of the busiest Level I trauma centers in the nation, treats an estimated 12 percent of the state’s inpatient trauma victim volume. We are able to provide this care, thanks in part to a state law passed in 2003 which established the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), which aimed to offset the expensive cost of trauma care through surcharges levied against reckless drivers. Unfortunately, the DRP has presented significant challenges, which is why the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce and other chambers throughout the region have engaged in advocating for abolishing the DRP while devising a better funding mechanism to underpin the state’s trauma infrastructure. Thanks to our efforts and the support of Houston-area legislators, House Bill 2048 and Senate Bill 918 propose a new, sustainable funding stream for the high quality trauma care that Texans have come to expect. We believe that these bills represent the most equitable, stable source of funding for state trauma centers and we are working to ensure that the Texas legislature agrees. Trauma funding is just one example of how the decisions of our lawmakers directly impact our lives. The successes on this legislation underscore just how important advocacy is 12 MOMENTUM for the betterment of our communities. Thank you to those of you who have participated in advocacy this state legislative session. Your efforts on issues vital to our industries and communities do not go unnoticed. The legislative session ends May 27. Let’s continue our advocacy efforts and finish strong.