Allied
About:
The TRAC-V Allied Committee is a multidisciplinary group composed of representatives from TRAC-V’s various committees that collaborates to coordinate regional education initiatives, including planning and hosting the annual TRAC-V Symposium.
Committee Chair:
Jennifer Volcy – Trauma Program Director, DHR Health
Cardiac
About:
The TRAC-V Cardiac Committee works to improve outcomes for cardiac emergencies across the region by standardizing protocols, promoting evidence-based practices, supporting data collection, and coordinating education and training for EMS and hospital partners.
Committee Chairs:
Melissa Aguilera – Chest Pain Coordinator, VBMC Brownsville
Jennifer Pena – Chest Pain Coordinator, STHS McAllen
Disaster Preparedness
About:
The TRAC-V Disaster Committee is dedicated to building a robust and integrated regional system that strengthens preparedness, coordinates exercises, and enhances response and recovery capabilities to save lives during disasters in the Rio Grande Valley
Committee Chairs:
Carlos H. Palacio, MD, – Trauma Medical Director, STHS McAllen
Danny Ramirez, EMT-P – EMS Chief, City of Pharr EMS
Injury Prevention
About:
The TRAC-V Injury Prevention Committee aims to reduce preventable injuries by implementing innovative initiatives and advancing public awareness and education through collaboration with community and regional partners.
Committee Chairs:
Cassandra Bravo – Injury Prevention & Outreach, DHR Health
Bianca Hayes – Injury Prevention, STHS McAllen
Alicia Cruz – Director of Marketing & PR, Med Care EMS
Maternal & Perinatal
About:
The TRAC-V Maternal and Perinatal Committee collaborates with hospitals and stakeholders to improve perinatal care by promoting evidence-based standards, supporting NICU designation, and advancing community education to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes.
Committee Chairs:
Marisol Ortiz – Director of L&D, DHR Health Women’s
Roxanne Aguirre – Neonatal Program Manager, VBMC Harlingen
Pre-Hospital
About:
The TRAC-V Pre-Hospital Committee works to strengthen FRO and EMS care across the region by standardizing protocols, enhancing training and education, fostering collaboration, and advancing quality improvement initiatives to ensure optimal patient outcomes before hospital arrival.
Committee Chairs:
Aaron Lopes – Assistant Chief, City of Brownsville FD / EMS
Raul Escamilla – Training Captain, City of Pharr EMS
Trauma Systems
About:
The TRAC-V Trauma Systems Committee is committed to strengthening the regional trauma system by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, advancing evidence-based standards of care, and driving continuous performance improvement to enhance outcomes for injured patients.
Committee Chairs:
Jennifer Volcy – Trauma Program Director, DHR Health
Wesley Milum – Trauma Program Director, VBMC Harlingen
Stroke
About:
The TRAC-V Stroke Committee collaborates with hospitals, EMS, and community partners to improve stroke recognition, treatment, and outcomes through standardized protocols, education, and continuous system performance improvement.
Committee Chair:
Michelle Hairston – Stroke Coordinator, VRMC
Wendy Lopez – Stroke Coordinator, VBMC Brownsville
Trauma Medical Directors & EMS Advisory
About:
The TRAC-V TMD and EMS Advisory Committee reviews regional and out-of-region patient transfers, evaluates fallout cases, and provides clinical guidance and recommendations to the TRAC-V Board and membership to strengthen patient care and system performance.
Committee Chair:
Eric Panzer, MD – Valley Regional Medical Center
Whole Blood
About:
The TRAC-V Whole Blood Committee guides the regional implementation and oversight of whole blood by coordinating hospital and EMS utilization, establishing rotation and storage practices, and promoting efficient, evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes.