March 16, 2022

Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed annually in March, making it the perfect time to explore the institutions that form the emergency health care system in Temple, TX. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, at least 2.8 million Americans suffer from a traumatic brain injury each year, and more than 5.3 million live with ongoing complications from previously sustained injuries.

In Temple, a host of healthcare businesses, educational institutions and research facilities provide a comprehensive range of services for patients, leading to a dynamic industry that is well equipped to handle emergency situations.

Read on to learn about the state-of-the-art facilities, healthcare professionals, learning institutions and companies in Temple that bolster Central Texas’ traumatic brain injury response capabilities.

The only trauma center between Dallas and Austin

Baylor Scott and White Health – Temple (BSWH Temple) is one of 19 Level I trauma centers in Texas. It is also the only medical institution equipped to treat brain and other traumatic injuries within the 200-mile span between Dallas and Austin. As a Level I Trauma Center, BSWH Temple offers specialized care from orthopedics to plastic surgery to general surgery. Specialists from the trauma center are available 24/7, providing award-winning care to hundreds of patients.

In addition to providing care for traumatic injuries, BSWH Temple leads the region in education and research, helping nearby hospitals integrate systems and best practices for improved care of injured patients. The trauma center also conducts training and simulation exercises for different trauma-related scenarios.

In December 2021, BSWH Temple was recognized among the top 10% of all Level I trauma centers across North America by The American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP). The hospital is also verified by the American College of Surgeons and is a part of the Central Texas Regional Advisory Council Service Area L Trauma Council.

A comprehensive system for saving lives

BSWH Temple is a part of the broader Baylor Scott & White Health ecosystem — the largest nonprofit healthcare system in Texas and a major healthcare anchor in Temple. The healthcare system also encompasses the Magnet-designated McLane Children’s, the only children’s hospital between Dallas and Austin. McLane Children’s provides pediatric neurosurgery for children that have experienced traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

The Temple Medical and Educational District (TMED) opened in 2009, and now includes close to 3,000 health and life sciences establishments (including BSWH Temple) which offer stellar care for residents and promote revitalization in the local community and economy. Another of TMED’s participating hospitals is the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center. The veteran’s affairs hospital provides specialty health services for traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and mental health care, along with training opportunities for area students.

In 2023 Temple will become home to Baylor College of Medicine’s newest campus. According to school leadership, the curriculum at the Temple campus will mirror the college’s Houston campus, which includes a brain injury rehabilitation fellowship and traumatic brain injury research opportunities.

As with many significant medical events, traumatic brain injuries require ongoing care, which is why Everest Rehabilitation Hospital’s opening in 2019 was a welcome addition to the city of Temple. Everest’s 36-room, $23 million facility provides inpatient and outpatient brain injury and post-concussion rehabilitation services. The hospital has been accredited as a Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality.

More than 40% of Temple’s workforce is employed in the healthcare sector, and the city offers a comprehensive system of hospitals, rehabilitation centers, educational institutions and research initiatives that continue to innovate in the field of traumatic brain injury. Read more about health and life sciences companies in Temple and contact us to learn how your business can become a part of the industry.