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With trauma affecting millions of lives each year, the devastating impacts extend far beyond the individual to families and communities. The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation is leading the charge in addressing this gap in research, funding, and care.

What is “Trauma”?

Traumatic injury is sudden intentional or unintentional exposure to an external force, object, or substance resulting in severe or life-threatening bodily harm. Examples include, but are not limited to,

Motor Vehicle Crashes

Violence-Related Injuries

Burns

Drowning

Falls

Trauma’s True Impact

Unfortunately, millions of lives are tragically shortened by traumatic injuries, denying individuals the opportunity for a full and meaningful life.

The following chart displays the relationship between the age-adjusted death rate of major health issues and the National Institute of Health (NIH) funding each receives, respectively.

Graphic showing trauma's true impact. Trauma: 1,182 death rate per 100,000 people, $897M NIH Funding Received ($ millions, 2019) Cancer: 786 death rate per 100,000 people, $2.56M NIH Funding Received ($ millions, 2019) Heart Disease: 649 death rate per 100,000 people, $2.394M NIH Funding Received ($ millions, 2019)

Source: Wang A, Xiang H. U.S. Leading Causes of Death and Years of Potential Life Lost, 1981-2019: Implications for Surgical Research. J Surg Res. 2023 Jan;281:338-344. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.06.071. Epub 2022 Aug 6. PMID: 35945037.

Key Takeaways

Trauma accounts for the highest age-adjusted death rate (1,182 deaths per 100,000 people).

Despite this, trauma research receives the least amount of funding (less than 2% of federal funding).

Cancer and heart diseases receive significantly more funding, despite resulting in fewer deaths compared to trauma.

How We’re Making an Impact

Fueling Research

By providing critical funding for innovative research, we are accelerating solutions that improve patient outcomes.

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Advancing Education & Inspiring Advocacy

By educating members of the public and healthcare professionals on trauma response and advocating for improved trauma care policies, we are helping to save lives.

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Reimagining Care

By supporting trauma survivors in their treatment and recovery, we are empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and regain independence after injury.

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Your gift today can transform trauma care and save lives tomorrow.

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