Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Survive. Connect. Rebuild.

A Program of the ATS

Erie County Medical Center

At ECMC, we’re more than just a hospital. We’re a community that’s made the patient experience our first priority, bringing compassionate, capable care to the eight counties of Western New York, as well as Southern Ontario.

At every level of our organization, our team demonstrates dedication to caring for patients with the best expertise, knowledge, and technology—a commitment that’s been brought to life with our multiple centers of excellence, a growing main campus, and ever-increasing community involvement.

As the region’s designated Adult Level 1 Trauma Center, ECMC treats thousands of patients every year, from all eight counties of Western New York. We are a leader in establishing trauma care standards, participating in national, state, and regional trauma quality improvement programs, as well as injury prevention and trauma education programs throughout Western New York.

As one of the first trauma centers in the country, ECMC has long been a leader in treating victims of traumatic injuries. Through our research, our physicians pioneered trauma care considered today to be the standard of care. We are proud to offer our community a regional destination for trauma care, especially given that research reveals significantly better survival rates for patients treated at a trauma center compared with those treated at a non-trauma center.

Our team of board-certified doctors, nurses, and other specialists makes our success stories possible. Our specially-trained trauma staff includes dedicated registered nurses (RNs) for emergency care,  acute care, and rehabilitative care. All Emergency Department and Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU) nurses are Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) trained and also receive specialized training in trauma care. Rehabilitation services begin in the early phases of treatment with bedside physical, occupational, and speech therapy and transition to acute rehabilitative care on our CARF certified unit.

In addition, physicians and nurses from our trauma team are affiliated with the State University of New York at Buffalo and participate in ongoing research projects to improve trauma care.

Our trauma center presents injury prevention and trauma education programs throughout Western New York. Injury prevention topics include both a school based and hospital based Let’s Not Meet By Accident program (distracted and impaired driving), fall prevention, Stop the Bleed and violence intervention. In addition, we offer trauma specific educational programs to pre-hospital, nursing and physician providers. Advanced Trauma Life Support and Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses are also offered on site.

ECMC has become a destination of choice, not just for patients seeking the very best care, but also for best-in-class physicians, surgeons, and support staff looking to grow their careers and innovate in their fields.

With this combination of cutting-edge technology, experienced doctors, and a wealth of research, we’re proud to offer Western New York a healthier future—and prouder still to show our community the difference between healthcare and true care.


Community Resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

www.afsp.org

Mission: Save Lives and Bring Hope to Those Affected by Suicide. Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.

Americans with Disabilities Act

www.ADA.gov

The ADA website provides information and technical assistance regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. 1-800-514-0301 (voice) 1-800-514-0383 (TTY)

American Chronic Pain Association

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.

American Trauma Society

www.amtrauma.org/

The American Trauma Society is dedicated to the elimination of needless death and disability from injury. For 50 years, the ATS has served as an advocate for the trauma care system, trauma prevention programs, and survivors of trauma and their families throughout the United States. Our mission is to Save Lives, Improve Care, & Empower Survivors.

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.

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.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

https://www.adaa.org/

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders through education, practice, and research. It helps people understand the disorders and educates them about scientifically supported treatments so they can make informed decisions. It also supports professionals who provide treatment and conduct research. Click the link to learn how ADAA could help you or your family.

Brain Injury Association of America

https://www.biausa.org

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) works to advance awareness, research, treatment, and education to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. BIAA is dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury. It has a network of state affiliates, local chapters, and support groups. Visit the website to find a BIAA chapter near you.

Brainline

https://www.brainline.org/

Brainline provides information and education about Brain Injury and PTSD for both adult and pediatric populations. To contact them directly, e-mail: info@BrainLine.org or call 703.998.2020.

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/hospital-discharge-planning-guide-families-and-caregivers

The Family Caregiver Alliance addresses the needs of family and friends providing long-term care for loved ones at home. It provides support, information, and tools to manage the complex demands of caregiving. These include online support and resources, navigators to help locate support services by state, and the National Center on Caregiving which unites research, policy, and practice to develop cost-effective programs for caregivers. Click the link to find out more about how FCA could help you or your family.

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 be scary and lonely. Through the voices of brain injury survivors and caregivers they provide awareness, encouragement, and hope. Click the link to learn more about Hope After Head Injury.

Mental Health America

www.mentalhealthamerica.net

Mental Health America (MHA) – founded in 1909 – is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans.

National Center for PTSD

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

A national resource for trauma survivors, which includes information about PTSD, resources such as the PTSD Coach Online, and videos from other survivors and professionals.

Caring Bridge

www.caringbridge.org

Create a private and secure website in which you can share health updates and needs with those you choose. Visitors to the website can leave messages for the patient and family. This frees you up from the constant texts, messages and calls, allowing you to focus more on supporting and healing.

National Center for Victims of Crime

https://victimsofcrime.org/

Find local assistance, learn about crime and its effects, and browse resources to help victims rebuild their lives.

National Human Trafficking Hotline

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/

Human Trafficking is a crime in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in sex acts or labor services against his/her will. If you, or someone you know, are a victim of Human Trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or visit this website.

National Institute of Mental Health

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

This website provides mental health education about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Information includes signs and symptoms of PTSD as well as professional treatment of PTSD. Call 1-866-615-6464 (toll-free) or visit http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call is routed to the nearest crisis center in the national network of more than 150 crisis centers. For assistance, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), TTY: 1-800-799-4889. The Crisis Text Line is: 741741

Traumatic Brain Injury Survival Guide

http://www.tbiguide.com

This online book explains brain injuries in clear and easy to understand language. The goal of this book is to better prepare the brain injured person and the family for the long road ahead.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder

If you have gone through a traumatic experience, it is normal to feel emotions such as distress, fear, helplessness, guilt, shame, or anger. If these symptoms don't go away over time, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Visit this website from Mental Health America to find out about PTSD and ways you can help yourself or a family member who may be suffering from PTSD.

Rehabilitation Services Administration

https://rsa.ed.gov/

Our mission — to provide leadership and resources to assist state and other agencies in providing vocational rehabilitation (VR) and other services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and integration into the community and the competitive labor market.

United Spinal Association

https://unitedspinal.org

United Spinal Association is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers and professionals. We believe no person should be excluded from opportunity based on their disability. Our goal is to provide people living with SCI/D programs and services that maximize their independence and enable them to remain active in their communities.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (SAMHSA)

www.samhsa.gov/

This helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish. The SAMHSA website also offers a treatment locator to identify local mental health providers. For assistance, call 1-800-662-HELP, TTY: 1-800-487-4889, or visit www.samhsa.gov/

The Friends and Family of Chic Kelly

http://www.chickelly.com

The Friends and Family of Chic Kelly is dedicated to improving the quality of life for victims of spinal cord injury (SCI). It provides funding for SCI individuals to help with educational, physical, or medical needs. It is also committed to finding a cure for spinal cord injury. Visit the website to find out more information and how get involved.

Tri-State Advocacy Project

http://www.tristateadvocacy.com/

The Tri-State Advocacy Project is composed of advocates who have personally faced the challenges of having a family member with a catastrophic injury. They help families navigate the process of working with health insurance, applying for government benefits, and seeking out other community resources. Click the link to see how the Tri-State Advocacy Project could help your family.

United Spinal Association

https://unitedspinal.org

United Spinal Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, and providing support and information to loved ones, care providers, and professionals. Its goal is to provide people living with SCI/D with active lifestyle information, peer support, advocacy, and services that maximize their independence and enable them to remain active in their communities. Visit the website for more information.

Phoenix Society—Resources for Parents and Children

https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/parent-child-resources

The Phoenix Society has long been the strongest voice for burn survivors, their families, and their caretakers—advocating that healing is life-long process. For nearly 40 years we have been focused on building a strong community for transformational healing.

Headway of WNY, Inc

http://www.headwayofwny.org/

Headway of Western New York is a support and advocacy agency for persons with brain injuries and other disabilities and the Regional Resource Center/Single Point of Entry for the Department of Health's Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver and the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver

Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo

https://legalaidbuffalo.org/

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc., is a charitable not-for-profit corporation founded in 1912 by community leaders to provide legal representation and advice to the poor of our community. A century later, the Bureau has provided advice, representation, or referral to thousands of persons in need. Our services are available to low-income individuals in Erie County who are unable to afford counsel.

New York State Office of Victim Services

https://ovs.ny.gov/help-crime-victims

The New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) is here to help you in a number of ways as you, a family member, or friend cope with victimization from a crime. This page is designed to: describe the services OVS can provide both directly and indirectly, educate you on your rights as a victim, and point you to other service providers who may also be able to assist you.

Brain Injury Association of New York State

https://bianys.org/

The Brain Injury Association of New York State is a statewide non-profit membership organization that provides advocacy and support to individuals with brain injuries and their family members.


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