For Immediate Release
Contact:     Danielle Marie Flores
                  Marketing Director
                  830-769-5276

6/23/08

(Jourdanton, Texas)—South Texas Regional Medical Center to proud to inform the citizens of our community and surrounding areas that the Emergency Department (ED) has earned its recertification as Basic (Level IV) Trauma Facility.

This certification signifies that STR's Emergency Department has met the state mandated criterion required to demonstrate that its facility provides resuscitation, stabilization, and assessment of injury victims and either provide treatment or arrangements for the appropriate transfer to a higher level designated trauma facility. STR's ER has also proven to engage in ongoing educational opportunities in trauma related topics for health care professionals and the public, while also demonstrating the proper implementation of targeted injury prevention programs.

Our community's health and wellbeing will continue to be safeguarded, thanks in part, to the excellent level of care that the professionals at STR's Emergency Department are trained and prepared to administer. STR acknowledges Ruth Riojas, RN-ED Director; Adriana Williams, Trauma Coordinator; and Dr. Patricio (Pat) Villarreal, Medical Trauma Director; for the work that these individuals have
contributed towards this recertification.

Contact information is available on the EMS/Trauma Systems website: www.dshs.state.tx/emstraumasystems.

Left to Right: Mike Pierce, CEO; Diane Pratka, RN; Shawna Rose, RN; Miguel Reyes, premed student; Ruth Riojas, RN- ED Director; Gloria Martinez, LVN; Dr. Patricio Villarreal, Medical Trauma Director; and Gerardo Flores, CNO.