Proximity to trauma centers affect homicide rates

The proximity to a level one trauma center significantly affects a city's homicide rate. In Chicago, the study showed that living more than five miles from a trauma center increased the chance of dying from gunshot wounds. The racial disparity in access to trauma centers was particularly stark, with black majority census tracts more likely to be located in trauma deserts. This lack of access to timely medical care contributed to the higher homicide rates among black populations.