BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Injuries are the number one cause of death for youth in Kentucky, according to Dr. Andrew Barnard, trauma medical director for UK Adult Level 1 Trauma Center.

Dr. Barnard spoke at WKU’s 9th Annual Heart and Lung Research Symposium about the need for more trauma centers across the commonwealth to address this issue.

“We need more trauma providers involved in the collective trauma system. That’s what Kentucky is missing,” he said. “About 3 to 6 hours. The trauma of the bleeding sustained by the victim ends there. So if those early minutes or time are wasted, the patient may not arrive. Make the team stronger. I’m out in the community talking about this because there’s a need.”

Injury is the state’s “most costly disease,” more expensive than cancer or cardiovascular disease.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, more than 800 people died on roads in 2023, for a total of more than 5,000 people including injuries.

“Injuries are the most common reason young people in Kentucky die before age 45. Injuries are what kill them,” he said. “This is a very common health issue, especially for people like me, like you, who work outside the home. That’s why trauma can make people temporarily, sometimes It’s very expensive because it takes it out of the workforce forever.”

Bernard encourages the public to reach out to their local legislators to address the need for more trauma programs and other concerns in the local medical field.

“The goal was to have a trauma center here in Bowling Green, and we recognized the importance of it. When I heard the statistics, it was really sobering.” Center,” said Melinda Joyce, executive director of the WKU Heart and Lung Research Foundation.

Copyright 2024 WBKO. All rights reserved.