Oct. 30--A group of demonstrators calling for a trauma center at the University of Chicago targeted what they said was a kickoff event for the university's capital campaign Wednesday night.
The demonstrators are pushing for an adult trauma center to be built on the South Side of Chicago. The Chicago area has nine level-one adult trauma centers, which are equipped to treat victims of gunshot wounds, but eight of them are west or north of downtown.
"Bringing an adult level 1 trauma center on the South Side would require a comprehensive, collaborative effort among city and state government leaders, public and private health care providers, and the community," U. of C. spokesman Jeremy Manier said in an email Thursday.
"University of Chicago Medical Center leaders have had and continue to have discussions with other area health care providers about ways to improve the health of the South Side."
Protesters gathered Wednesday at an event tied to fundraising for the university, which closed its adult trauma unit more than 25 years ago.
At the same time the university is beginning a $4.5 billion capital fundraising campaign, it also is seeking to house the Barack Obama Presidental Library. Activists argue that the university should not be awarded the library unless it builds a trauma center.
