Delray Beach, Fla. (May 1, 2016) – Delray Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center is paying tribute to all victims of traumatic injuries and honoring trauma survivors during National Trauma Awareness Month. The hospital is supporting this year’s theme, “Safe Steps for Seniors,” which will focus on senior safety and falls.

Delray Medical Center is hosting its annual Trauma Survivors’ Celebration on May 23 from 3-5 p.m. in the main lobby. Past trauma patients and their families will come together to celebrate the lives saved by the physicians, nurses and staff at the hospital. Delray Medical Center will also speak on the importance of having a Level I Trauma Center located in Palm Beach County.

According to the American Trauma Society, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls result in more than 2.5 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 734,000 hospitalizations and more than 21,700 deaths.  Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. However, falling is not an inevitable result of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based falls prevention programs, and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be substantially reduced.    

“We hope this year’s theme will draw attention to this prevalent issue and help promote change within the community,” added Mark Bryan, CEO of Delray Medical Center. “However, if you or a loved one has an accident and requires the assistance of our Level I Trauma Center, you will certainly be in good hands.”

As one of only two designated Trauma Centers in Palm Beach County, Delray Medical Center’s highly trained trauma team treats thousands of the most severely injured patients each year. The trauma team includes paramedics, emergency medical technicians, specially trained doctors and nurses who work together to ensure that severely injured patients quickly receive the specialized care they need. Hospitals with trauma center designations also offer advanced surgical capabilities and critical care units that provide constant treatment and monitoring of severely injured patients.

Additionally, education and injury prevention is a vital part of the trauma program at Delray Medical Center. The hospital devotes a significant amount of time to promoting public safety and trauma awareness in Palm Beach County. For more information, please visit www.delraymedicalctr.com.