What began as a collection of independent research projects has grown into a coordinated effort to expand access to prehospital blood products. The Students, Residents, and Fellows Trauma Advocacy Coalition (SRFTAC)—a new CNTR Affiliate Member—brings emerging clinicians together to turn evidence into practical tools for improving trauma care.
In a recent conversation with CNTR, Hannah Borland, a fourth-year medical student at UT San Antonio, described the group’s evolution. Projects conducted under the mentorship of Donald Jenkins, MD, provided the foundation, while research resident Alex Bowers, MD, subsequently helped formalize those efforts into a structured organization spanning medical schools and trauma centers. Its members bring perspectives from medical training, military service, and emergency medical care.
A central achievement is the development of advocacy materials for all 50 states. Combining sample letters to governors, cost analyses, and research summaries, these packets give advocates a starting point for making the case for whole blood programs. The materials are available through the coalition’s online resource library.
Borland described how the group contributed utilization data and per-capita cost modeling to support advocacy in Texas, where lawmakers last year approved $10 million for a statewide prehospital whole blood pilot program. She shared SRFTAC’s work at the 2026 AAST Clinical Congress in a presentation titled, “Estimating the Cost of a Prehospital Whole Blood Program: A South Texas Case Study.” Using South Texas utilization data, the team estimated annual whole blood product costs for a mature program at just $0.08–$0.19 per resident, providing a starting point for funding discussions while acknowledging additional costs for startup, inventory management, and wastage.
The experience illustrates how trainees can contribute research and analytical expertise to broader efforts to improve trauma systems.
SRFTAC’s work continues to expand. They are developing a Texas air ambulance coverage map and a national survey to assess EMS providers’ attitudes and competence regarding blood products. Members are also examining recurring program costs and incorporating quality and performance improvement into efforts to advocate for sustained funding.
For CNTR’s community, SRFTAC offers an example of the connection between research, advocacy, and implementation—and the contributions students, residents, and fellows can make throughout their training. Borland, who plans to pursue trauma surgery, hopes to continue that work as her career advances.
Learn more and explore opportunities to collaborate at srftac.org.