# Trauma Research Funding: An Emergency in Emergency Care

## TL;DR

Trauma research is severely underfunded in the U.S., with Oklahoma and Kansas receiving the least funding relative to their trauma burden.

## Contribution

The study quantifies the disparity in trauma research funding across states and emphasizes the need for strategic resource allocation.

## Key findings

- Only 5% of NIH funding from 2010 to 2020 was allocated to trauma research.
- Oklahoma and Kansas had the lowest NIH funding per YPLL compared to states like New York and California.
- CDC's National Injury Prevention and Control funding increased significantly, ranking third in 2022.

## Abstract

Introduction: Trauma remains a significantly underfunded area of medical research despite its status as a leading cause of death and substantial economic burden in the United States. This study explores the disparity in trauma research funding, focusing on Oklahoma compared to neighboring and populous states.

Methods: Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS™) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s RePORT databases, we analyzed age-adjusted years of potential life lost (YPLL) due to trauma and corresponding NIH funding across different states and nationally. Statistical analyses included bivariate comparisons and standardization of funding data per population and YPLL.

Results: From 2010 to 2020, NIH allocated approximately $124 billion nationally, with only 5% dedicated to trauma, amounting to $1,772.32 per age-adjusted YPLL. Oklahoma and Kansas exhibited the lowest NIH funding per YPLL compared to New York and California. Funding for the National Injury Prevention and Control, a subdivision of the CDC, has shown significant increases, ranking third in 2022.

Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need for enhanced trauma research funding to address its disproportionate impact on mortality and healthcare costs. Strategic allocation of resources is essential to advance trauma care and align research priorities with public health needs.