County commissions trauma system study

The Board of Supervisors Tuesday commissioned the Walnut Creek-based Arbaris Group to study the county's trauma system.

The county currently has two trauma centers, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and Loma Linda University Medical Center.

The study, which will cost $98,855 and should be completed by April 1, will evaluate the county's current trauma needs and projected needs as the population grows, according to a news release from First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt.

"The existing trauma centers in our County are world-class facilities, but they're located on the southern border of our County and are separated from the rest of our County by mountains, deserts and great distances," Mitzelfelt said in a statement. "There are no trauma centers in the High Desert, which is something I hope this study will show needs to change."