Foundation funds two trauma programs at UNC Health Blue Ridge

At UNC Health Blue Ridge, injury prevention is a critical part of the hospital’s mission — not just treating a patient after an injury happens but working to prevent those injuries before they ever occur.

Working to keep the mission at the forefront is Blue Ridge’s Trauma Team. With funding from the Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation, the team has been able to offer two programs that are important to the community.

“Last year, UNC Health Blue Ridge achieved a Level III trauma designation,” says Kaylee Pittman, RN, Trauma Program nurse manager. “And through that process, we began to see recurring needs. Not just within our emergency department but across our community.”

One of those needs is to provide safe car seats to families leaving the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident.

“The car seat program has made a meaningful difference for families,” says Sabrina Patterson, RN, the team’s Injury Prevention/Performance Improvement specialist. “In many cases, car seats involved in the collision are no longer safe to use, leaving caregivers suddenly in need of a replacement. This program ensures that families can leave the hospital with a safe, properly installed car seat during an already stressful time. Because of this program, we can provide car seats on the spot to families in need as they are being discharged from the hospital.”

“Keeping children safe is a natural priority for us, and the foundation was glad to step in to provide funding for these car seats,” says Traci Riebel, the foundation’s executive director.

The trauma nurses also requested foundation funding for the Stop the Bleed program.

“The Stop the Bleed program allows us to reach beyond the hospital walls,” Patterson says. “We go into schools, factories, and community organizations to teach people how to respond during a bleeding emergency.”

In addition to educational training, the team provides Stop the Bleed kits that include tourniquets, gauze, gloves, and clear instructions.

“These kits are placed in locations where seconds truly matter, empowering everyday people to save a life before first responders arrive,” Patterson says. “What’s most meaningful is knowing that these programs give people confidence in moments that can feel overwhelming.”

The partnership between the foundation and the trauma team works for the betterment of the community.

“None of this would be possible without the generosity of the Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation,” Pittman says. “This funding allowed us to move from recognizing the need to creating sustainable programs that protect children, educate our community, and save lives. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership.”

For more information about the Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation and how you can contribute, visit brhcfoundation.org.