LETTERS: Region needs more trauma centers

The Regional Trauma Advisory Board recently voted to not allow any new trauma centers in Las Vegas, despite the fact that three hospitals are asking for such approval (“Board says no to new trauma centers,” Feb. 25 Review-Journal). I am shocked at the vote.

Las Vegas has not added a trauma center since 2004, yet we’ve added more than half a million people to our population, and on any given day, another half-million tourists are here. We only have one Level 1 trauma center, at UMC. Chicago is a similar sized community and they have six Level I trauma units.

In addition to UMC, there are two lower-level trauma centers, at Sunrise Hospital and at St. Rose Hospital’s Siena campus in Henderson. There is no trauma unit in the north or southwest sections of the valley. There are three hospitals willing to put in trauma centers, which is not a cheap investment.

At a time when many communities are begging hospitals to open trauma centers, why would city leaders vote against allowing any hospital to be better prepared for emergencies? Why are they not putting public safety first? At a time when traffic is only getting worse, adding to ambulance transport times, we should be expanding trauma centers across the valley.

Betty Rumford

Las Vegas

RJ news priorities

In the March 1 Review-Journal, there was a front-page article about Uber and Lyft drivers offering off-platform transactions, with passengers using the ride-hailing services without using the required app (“Illegal rides caught on video”). On page 4A, there was a story about a U.S. soldier’s bravery (“Navy Seal gets medal of honor”).

So really, the RJ’s priority was the ride-hailing issue? The Navy Seal rescued a doctor and tried to save another Seal, in a situation none of us can begin to imagine, nor would we want to.

God bless that Navy Seal, Edward Byers, a senior chief special warfare operator, and all military personnel who risk their lives to protect us every day. Appropriate acknowledgement of such heroic actions should be the responsibility of the RJ editor.

Gerry Harrison

Henderson

Augmon for UNLV coach

After reading several articles about choosing a coach for the UNLV men’s basketball team, I’m compelled to write my belief. I’ve been a fan for more than 40 years, but I haven’t personally known any of the players.

I’m of the belief that the powers that be might choose to step over a dollar in order to pick up a nickel. Of course, the dollar is former UNLV star player and assistant coach Stacey Augmon, and the nickel is all others. The choosers have a chance to grab Mr. Augmon. Nickels cannot exceed his loyalty and experience. He’s been there, done that.

Dorothy A. Dawson

Las Vegas

Income tax free riders

In an interview for the April edition of The Atlantic magazine, President Barack Obama said, “Free riders aggravate me.” He was referring to America’s allies who turn to the United States for assistance, but don’t always want to help shoulder the burden — financially or otherwise — of dealing with urgent global threats.

Now the president knows how most taxpayers feel about the 45 percent of Americans who pay no federal income tax.

Steven G. Hayes Sr.

Las Vegas