The support group, offered in partnership with the American Trauma Society, is the only support group of its kind south of San Antonio
Receiving treatment for the physical wounds of a traumatic injury is just one part of an individual’s healing. While medication and forms of physical rehabilitation can help the body recover, the path to psychological recovery is not as clearly defined. Individuals who have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury — which can result from falls, vehicle collisions, sports injuries and more — have an increased risk of developing PTSD and other major depressive disorders, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
To help support the comprehensive process of recovery of trauma survivors, South Texas Health System McAllen has partnered with the American Trauma Society to bring the first Trauma Survivors Network Support Group to the Rio Grande Valley.
The support group helps trauma survivors and their families rebuild their lives and regain their overall confidence through the learning of coping skills, as well as a connection with fellow trauma survivors. Each session features a different topic of exploration for the entire group, which launched in November with the topic of “Self-Care: Healing After Trauma.”
“Surviving a traumatic physical injury is a healing process and people need to know they are not alone,” says Veronica Silva, the Injury Prevention Coordinator at South Texas Health System McAllen. “Our Trauma Center supports our patients and their family members through all phases of recovery, even after the patient is discharged from the hospital. And, our Trauma Survivors Network Support Group helps individuals feel empowered and offers a platform for them to share their story, which may positively impact others that may be going through similar situations."
Meetings are held the first Saturday of every month via Zoom and are led by a trauma survivor and a health professional involved in trauma patient care; referrals to mental health and substance abuse services may be provided if needed.
The next session is set for December 11 and will focus on coping and resiliency. For more information and to register, visit STHS McAllen | TSN.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-hospital health care system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four hospital campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral Health campus location. 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 II Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, a specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information on the system, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
