With the deepest regret, we must inform you that Julia Cox McCarter passed away peacefully in her sleep at 6:55 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2012. As you know, Julia was a warrior in trauma prevention efforts and we will miss her. Condolences may be sent to her son, Michel Cox Witmer and her husband, Art McCarter at the addresses below.

-The Staff of the American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division.

Michel Cox Witmer                             Art McCarter

135 East 54^th Street                           412 Touchstone Drive

Apt. 14H                                            Carlisle, PA 17015

New York, New York 10022

Julia Cox McCarter Memorial Contributions

The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA) is pleased to accept memorial contributions to honor the memory of our beloved former director, Julia Cox.

Julia L. H. Cox McCarter was the director of The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division. Twenty-five years ago, she began working to develop ATSPA from a small cause to today's successful, flourishing operation. She was popular and adored by all who knew her.

Julia worked tirelessly to reduce death and injury due to trauma. She was active with the PA State Legislative branches and the Governor's office.

In the 1970's, Julia served as Chairman of the first Organ Donor Program for The PA Department of Health, which led the way for Organ Donor programs throughout America and many other parts of the world. Her work has had a significant beneficial impact on millions of lives. As part of her important role in the earliest years of organ donation, Julia witnessed many families whose lives were devastated by deaths due to trauma. She grew concerned with saving lives and was a champion in trauma prevention. 

Always passionately interested in dealing with trauma, Julia also wrote the first protocol for helicopter evacuation, now known as MedEvac.  

At the ATSPA, she actively sought grants and funding for numerous trauma prevention programs, including programs for children and the elderly. She established the first ATSPA trauma conference, which has become a popular annual event for many health care workers. Julia organized many events, including the Paul A. Cox Golf Tournament, in honor of her late husband.

Among her many accolades is the recently established Julia Cox/John Templeton Award, which will focus on trauma prevention.

Please send Memorial Contributions to:

The American Trauma Society, PA Division

2 Flowers Drive

Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

■ Click here to view Act 81 of 2011 Fact Sheet to learn about the recent changes affecting graduated driver licensing and passenger restraint laws.

   
■ The 2012 Annual Trauma Conference is entitled "The Genesis of Trauma Ten Years Post a Changed World" and will be on April 4 and 5, 2012 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, PA. The conference brochure includes the conference's general information, objectives, fees, 2-day schedule, registration form, etc.

  
■ Are helmets just for bicyclists? No. They can be used for many sports and activities, especially in the winter. Contact ATSPA to purchase a helmet for $10 and get a free helmet fitting. Stay safe this winter season!
   
■ NEW EDUCATIONAL BROCHURE!
A game that kills? ATSPA's new brochure "The Choking Game" helps explain why adolescents are participating in the dangerous activity often called "choking," what makes it so unsafe, how to prevent it, and other information. Download the brochure here or contact ATSPA.