McAllen Medical Center, part of the South Texas Health System, is the first hospital in Hidalgo County designated as a Level II Trauma Center. Patients who come to the Level II Trauma Center are less likely to transfer to another facility for further care.

The designation by the Texas Department of State Health Services was achieved following program verification by the American College of Surgeons. It was a requirement that McAllen Medical Center meet the essential criteria that demonstrate trauma care capability and institutional performance. The Trauma Designation Rules classify both Level I and Level II centers as Major Trauma centers. Patient care delivery requirements are the same for both.

McAllen Medical Center sees 33,000 emergency department visits each year. Additionally, it has a mortality rate that is lower than both the state and national average. The center has 24/7 board-certified trauma surgeons immediately available to serve the Rio Grande Valley.

“The Rio Grande Valley’s regional trauma system has been strengthened by the designation of our McAllen Medical Center as a Level II Trauma Center. And we are not stopping there,” said Todd Mann, CEO for McAllen Medical Center. “In fact, we are on a journey to become Hidalgo County’s first and only Level I Trauma Center and we appreciate the support of our community and elected officials as we seek that designation. But make no mistake, whether we are a Level I Trauma Center or a Level II Trauma Center, we offer the highest level of care and treatment which has earned us this special designation by the State of Texas and the American College of Surgeons.”

This state designation is valid for a three-year period and expires in February 2022.