Everyday Advocacy: Trauma funding and awareness

"Perseverance and working with dedicated people have been the key elements of our success."

Razvan N Preda DNP, RN
Trauma Program Director
University of New Mexico Hospital
Albuquerque, NM

My goal is to improve trauma funding in the state of New Mexico.

I initially introduced a joint memorial in the state legislature, to raise awareness around the lack of trauma funding and to request a taskforce to identify sustainable sources of funding for our trauma system. During the 2017 legislative season, the memorial passed unanimously, and the taskforce is now at work.

In the 2019 legislative season I plan to introduce a bill with the findings of the taskforce, to ensure long-term funding for trauma treatment and research.

Some of the major challenges we are facing include the state's financial situation, limited legislative awareness of the role and requirements of a highly functional trauma system, and competing legislative priorities. I am working, through the successful memorial and future bills, to raise awareness and funds to improve trauma care in my state.

Through this complex process, perseverance and working with dedicated people have been the key elements of our success.