SARASOTA, FL. Jan. 19, 2018…Sarasota Memorial Hospital Trauma and Emergency Services are the beneficiaries of the inaugural Hospital Gala, presented by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation on Sat. Jan. 13. The sold out event of 675 guests raised more than $1,000,000, the proceeds of which will benefit Emergency and Trauma Services at SMH.

“It is wonderful to see the Sarasota community come together for such an important cause,” noted Mason Ayres, Healthcare Foundation president. “Emergency and trauma services are something that you hope you or a loved one never need, but are glad to know it is there if and when it is needed.

“The highlight of the evening was a paddle raise for additional lifesaving equipment to expand the trauma program. The evening’s attendees raised their paddles for $815,000 of the $1,000,000 which will go toward the equipment for SMH Emergency and Trauma Services,” he added.

When the trauma center opened in 2015, the expectation was to serve about 300-500 patients annually. Growth in demand has been exponential.

“Our trauma registry volume now is averaging close to 3,000 patients a year, demonstrating how important these life-saving services are for our community when we need them. In fact, we have treated more than 7,000 injured patients since the Trauma Center opened, and the program’s survival rates are significantly better than national benchmark rates,” remarked SMH President and CEO David Verinder.

The growth in patients treated by the Emergency and Trauma Services has required SMH to expand the trauma facilities, adding new equipment and technologies. Before opening the Level II Trauma Unit, most critically injured patients were transported to trauma units in other communities.

Sponsors for the event were Premier Sponsor: Northern Trust; ‘Ambulance Sponsors’, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Dart Foundation, Gresham Smith and Partners, Michael & Karen Valentino.