When every second counts, emergency room personnel play a critical role in saving lives. From heart attacks and strokes to serious injuries caused by car crashes, falls and other emergencies, these frontline healthcare professionals are trained to act quickly when patients need them most.
In the Rio Grande Valley, the South Texas Health System (STHS) Trauma & Critical Care Institute serves as the largest integrated trauma and critical care network in South Texas. The Institute includes the healthcare system’s 11 emergency departments, which collectively record approximately 250,000 emergency room visits each year.
Whether treating patients at STHS McAllen’s Level I Trauma Center, STHS Heart’s dedicated heart emergency room, STHS Children’s pediatric ER or one of STHS’ seven freestanding emergency departments, STHS teams are available around the clock to respond to medical emergencies.
“Every day brings different challenges in the emergency room, and our staff must be prepared for whatever comes through our doors,” said Tony De Luna, Trauma Director, STHS McAllen. “It takes a dedicated team to care for patients during some of their most critical moments, and I’m extremely proud of the work our physicians, nurses and technicians do every day.”
In recognition of their dedication, Payne Weslaco Chevrolet presented the STHS Trauma & Critical Care Institute with a $1,000 donation on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as part of its Chevy Cares initiative.
The donation will support the Institute’s community outreach efforts, including injury prevention education, STOP THE BLEED training and Trauma Survivors Network support groups.
“Our local healthcare workers do so much for our community, and we wanted to show them how much their efforts are appreciated,” said Darryl Ruiz, General Sales Manager at Payne Weslaco Chevrolet. “They’re there for us when we need them most, and we’re proud to give back and support the important work they do.”
The Chevy Cares program is a Chevrolet initiative focused on supporting community-based causes, including first responder appreciation efforts in communities throughout the U.S.
This marks the third consecutive year Payne Weslaco Chevrolet has made a $1,000 donation in recognition of STHS’ frontline healthcare heroes.
“We’re grateful to Payne Weslaco Chevrolet for their continued generosity and recognition of our emergency room teams,” said De Luna. “Their support helps us educate residents about injury prevention and the steps they can take to keep themselves and their families safe. Through these outreach efforts, we hope to reduce preventable injuries and build a safer, healthier community.”
To learn more about the STHS Trauma & Critical Care Institute’s injury prevention and community outreach programs, visit www.southtexashealthsystemmcallen.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Alamo, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, Pharr and Weslaco. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
