U of C Breaks Ground on Long-Sought Trauma Center

U of C Trauma Center Rendering
A rendering of the planned trauma center courtesy of the University of Chicago.
U of C Trauma Center Rendering
A rendering of the planned trauma center courtesy of the University of Chicago.

U of C Breaks Ground on Long-Sought Trauma Center

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The University of Chicago hospital broke ground Thursday morning on a new emergency care facility, which will include an adult trauma center.

Activists had pushed long and hard for a trauma center. Until last year, the University of Chicago firmly resisted. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle spoke directly about that struggle. 

“Great institutions like the University of Chicago benefit on occasion from encouragement, from the community, to do the right thing,” she said. “I want to thank all of you from outside the university who have prodded and championed the trauma care.” 

The South Side has not had a Level 1 adult trauma center for more than 20 years. A 2013 study showed that having a trauma center within five miles can make a life-and-death difference for gunshot victims.