We'd like to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on progress in working through the transition of the State Trauma and Emergency Care System since the departure of Dr. William Ramsey. Over the past several weeks, we've spent considerable effort evaluating the current system and looking at the direction we need to go. We've consulted with many of you to hear your concerns and suggestions. At this time, I would like to make you aware of the following:

• Effective January 1, 2010, the name of the State Trauma and Emergency Care System (STECS) will become the State Trauma and Emergency Medical System (STEMS).
• Effective January 1, 2010, the name for the Centralized Hospital and Emergency Medical Triage and Coordination Center (CHEMTAC) will be changed to the State Medical Coordination Center (MCG).
• We are making every effort to operationalize medical command communications for WestCom at MCC in Flatwoods by January 1, 2010.
• The determination has been made that there will be a full-time administrative director and a full-time medical director for STEMS. We expect that job announcements for these two positions will be posted and advertized before the end of the year. Interviews for these positions are expected to begin shortly after the first of the year.

Please share these announcements with others who may be interested. We plan to keep you up to date as progress continues on these and other matters. Thank you for your dedication and the hard work you do every day to provide the citizens of West Virginia with vital emergency medical care. I wish you and the people you hold dear a wonderful holiday season and a healthy, happy new year.

Sincerely,

Chris Curtis, M.P.H.
Acting Commissioner
West Virginia DHHR-Bureau for Public Health