Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) are the administrative bodies responsible for trauma system oversight within the bounds of a given Trauma Service Area in Texas. Each of the 22 RACs is tasked with developing, implementing, and monitoring a regional emergency medical service trauma system plan.

The purpose of a Regional Advisory Council (RAC) is to develop, implement and monitor a regional emergency medical services (EMS) trauma system plan to facilitate trauma system networking within its TSA or group of TSAs. A RAC is an organized group of healthcare entities and other concerned citizens who have an interest in improving and organizing trauma care within a specified Trauma Service Area (TSA). RAC membership may include hospitals, physicians, nurses, EMS providers, rehabilitation facilities, dispatchers, as well as other community groups.

The functions of Regional Advisory Councils (RAC) were to develop and implement a regional EMS/trauma system plan, provide public information and education about prevention of trauma and a trauma system, provide a forum for EMS providers and hospitals to address trauma service area issues, network with other regional advisory councils, and document and report trauma system data that meets trauma service criterion.

The trauma system was initially adopted by the Texas Board of Health in accordance with Senate Bill 530, Health & Safety Code, Chapter 773 (Emergency Medical Services), whereby the state was divided into twenty-two regions called Trauma Service Areas (Texas Administrative Code § Rule 157.122), provided for the formation of a Regional Advisory Council (Texas Administrative Code § Rule 157.123).

About RAC-G
The Piney Woods Regional Advisory Council (RAC-G) is designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to develop, implement, and maintain the regional trauma and emergency healthcare system for the east Texas area, encompassing 18 counties within 13,000 square miles surrounding rural and urban areas. RAC-G is one of the eight Lead RACs in Texas that comprise the Texas Trauma/Emergency Healthcare System.

RAC-G is a 501c3 non-profit, tax-exempt member organization comprising 24 Hospitals, 18 EMS Providers, numerous Associate Members, Intermediate Care Facilities, Group Homes, Assisted Living, and most recently, Dermatologists.

MISSION:
To serve as a link between hospitals, pre-hospital providers, and local, state, and federal agencies to reduce death and disability related to trauma, disaster, and acute illness by implementing a well-planned and coordinated regional emergency response system.

VISION:
We will be the model regional trauma, disaster, and emergency healthcare system in the East Texas healthcare arena to help reduce mortality during emergency healthcare conditions.