"We recognize the tremendous strain that the New York City healthcare system is facing in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for your leadership in working to both optimize care for patients and protect healthcare workers. The American College of Surgeons has worked with NYC hospitals to develop a robust trauma system to care for critically injured patients. This system is part of an emergency care system that responds to other time sensitive medical emergencies such as acute cardiac events and strokes. We have heard from the trauma directors in many of the Level 1 trauma centers that the system is overwhelmed by COVID patients and is at risk of being unable to provide care for these common emergencies. To that end, we have developed the attached statement on the importance of maintaining the emergency care system and have offered recommendations to meet this goal. We stand ready to assist you."

> Access the letter

> Read the ACS Statement on the Importance of Maintaining the Emergency Care System