Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Survive. Connect. Rebuild.

A Program of the ATS

University of Tennessee Medical Center

As the only designated Level I Trauma Center in our area of East Tennessee, we strive to save the lives of critically injured patients and return them to full, productive activity. Each year, The University of Tennessee Medical Center's Emergency and Trauma Center offers highly specialized care for more than 89,000 patients. Through a collaborative team approach, we work closely with first responders and surrounding medical care facilities during those crucial moments after a traumatic injury.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, receiving care for a severe injury at a Level I Trauma Center can lower the risk of death by 25 percent, yet almost 45 million Americans do not have access to a trauma center within one hour of becoming injured. For that reason, it is vital that people in our region have quick access to the highest degree of emergency medical care that is found at The University of Tennessee Medical Center.

 

Of roughly 7,000 trauma patients seen in 2021, more than 65 percent arrived at the medical center directly from the site of their injury. The remaining 35 percent were transferred from smaller facilities in the region in order to receive specialized care. The treatment of critically injured patients presents unique complexities and challenges. They must be cared for by trauma-certified physicians and specially trained clinical personnel.


Upcoming Programs & Events

Peer Visitation

UT Medical Center's TSN program has former trauma patients and caregivers who volunteer their time to visit patients and their families in the hospital. If you would like more information please contact us. Learn more

Mobile Snack & Chat

Every Thursday • 10:00 am

Family and friends of patients currently admitted to our Trauma Center are invited to take time to relax, have a snack and learn more about the emotional impact of trauma. TSN comes to trauma step down floors on Thursday mornings at 10am EST. Learn more

Let's CHAT (Come Have A Talk) Support Group

The 1st Tuesday of the Month • 6:00 PM

This is a general support group for trauma survivors. Support groups are usually held the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm EST. Currently meetings are held virtually and in-person. Please call for information on virtual groups 865-305-9970. ***July's group will be on July 11th due to the holiday. Learn more

Annual Survivor Celebration

05/16/2024 • 4:00 pm- 6:30pm

To find out more information please contact TSN at 865-305-9970. Learn more

Patricia Neal Amputee Support Group

Fourth Thursday of every month • 6:00 pm

The Knoxville Area Amputee Support Group (ASK) meets the 4th Thursday of each month at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center @ Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Call (865)-331-4912 Learn more

Patricia Neal Brain Injury Support Groups

First Monday of each month • 7:00 pm

The Knoxville Area Brain Injury Support Group (KABISG) meets Monday of each month (aside from holidays) at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Call 865-331-1499 for more information. Learn more

Patricia Neal Spinal Cord Injury Support Group

Third Thursday of each month • 6:00 pm

The Knoxville Area Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) group meets the third Thursday of each month at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Call 865-331-1356 for additional information. Learn more

Stroke Support Group

Third Thursday of the month • 4:00-5:30pm

The Brain and Spine Institute strives to provide care and support for stroke survivors, adult family members and caregivers. For more information on program topics and the meeting location please call 865-305-7530. Learn more


Community Resources

Amputee Coalition

https://www.amputee-coalition.org/

The mission of the Amputee Coalition is to reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential through education, support and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention.

American Chronic Pain Association

https://www.theacpa.org/

Since 1980, the ACPA has offered peer support and education in pain management skills to people with pain, family and friends, and health care professionals. The information and tools on this site can help you to better understand your pain and work more effectively with your health care team toward a higher quality of life.

Americans with Disabilities Act

https://www.ada.gov

The ADA website provides information and technical assistance regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.

AMPOWER

http://www.empoweringamputees.org/

The mission of AMPOWER is to empower and strengthen those affected by amputation or limb difference through peer mentorship, educational resources, and community events.

BrainandLife.org

https://www.brainandlife.org

BrainandLife.org is a destination for you and your loved ones to get the latest news and resources on specific neurologic disorders and brain health. You will also find valuable information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, brought to you in a single, user friendly experience that is focused on your well-being.

Brainline

https://www.brainline.org/

Brainline provides information and education about Brain Injury and PTSD for both adult and pediatric populations.

Brain Injury USA

www.biausa.org

The Brain Injury Association offers Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) information and resources, support groups, prevention materials, and awareness events.

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

https://www.christopherreeve.org/

The Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. Call 1-800-225-0292 or visit www.christopherreeve.org.

Family Caregiver Alliance

https://www.caregiver.org

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) is the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long term care for loved ones at home. The services, education program, and resources FCA provides are designed with the caregivers' needs in mind and to offer support, tailored information, and tools to manage the complex demands of caregiving.

Hanger

https://hangerclinic.com

Hanger, Inc. is the world's premier provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O & P) services. Hanger, Inc. provides clinical care and educational programs and is committed to helping all patients reach their full potential by providing access to resources which are designed to help those who have undergone traumatic injury and/or disease discover their path back to living life to it's fullest. Understanding the different phases of recovery will assist your recovery and provide you with strength and self-awareness.

Hope After Head Injury

http://www.hopeafterheadinjury.com/links---resources

Hope After Head Injury exists to bring hope to those who have been impacted by brain injury in their life, whether going through the experience themselves or caring for a loved one. They understand that the journey through head trauma is a road that when walked alone can by scary and lonely. Spoken through the voices of brain injury survivors and caegivers as they provide awareness, encouragement, and hope.

National Center for PTSD

http://www.ptsd.va.gov

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like motor vehicle accident, assault or disaster. Most people have some stress reactions after a trauma. If the reactions don't go away over time or disrupt your life, you may have PTSD.

Project BRAIN

https://www.tndisability.org/brain

Project BRAIN is a resource and training network for educators, families, and health professionals who support students in Tennessee with Traumatic Brain Injury. Brain Injuries can happen to any one at any time, and a concussion counts! A concussion is a traumatic brain injury, (TBI). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year at least 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occur in the United States. Project BRAIN partners with TN hospitals to promote effective communication between healthcare professionals, families and educators

"Stop the Bleed"

https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/stopthebleed/

During a crisis, no matter how quickly professional emergency responders arrive, bystanders will always be first on the scene. This class will teach you how to take simple actions immediately to help save a life.

United Spinal Association

https://www.unitedspinal.org

United Spinal Association has teamed up to create a national network of peer support for individuals, friends and family members. They have set high standards in assisting people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Most people are universally unprepared for the unique challenges of living with a new (SCI/D). It's vital to reach these individuals and caregivers with the proper support as quickly as possible, to empower with the appropriate tools and resources to adapt their life, regain their independence and conquer any hurdles along the way.


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