ON AIR: THE CATRAC PODCAST
FEATURED EPISODE:
What is a RAC?
Building the Emergency Healthcare System Together
In the inaugural episode of The CATRAC Podcast, host Mike Verkest sits down with Douglas Havron, Executive Director and CEO of the Capital Area of Texas Regional Advisory Council, to answer a foundational question: what exactly is a RAC, and why does it matter?
Douglas breaks down how CATRAC supports emergency healthcare across 11 Central Texas counties by coordinating hospitals, EMS agencies, first responders, public health, emergency management, and disaster response partners. From trauma systems and stroke care to hospital diversion, wall times, data sharing, and regional preparedness, this episode pulls back the curtain on the systems that help clinicians deliver better care when seconds matter.
This launch episode sets the stage for future conversations about regional coordination, patient outcomes, emergency healthcare systems, and the people working behind the scenes to move care forward
ABOUT THE PODCAST
The CATRAC Podcast brings together EMS leaders, trauma professionals, hospital staff, emergency managers, and public health experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping emergency healthcare in Texas. Our mission is to share ideas, best practices, and real conversations that strengthen the system and improve outcomes for our communities.
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LATEST EPISODES
What is a RAC? Building the Emergency Healthcare System Together
We explore the mission of CATRAC, what a Regional Advisory Council does, and how partnerships across Central Texas create a stronger, more coordinated emergency healthcare system.
Because of a RAC
In Episode 2 of On Air with CATRAC, host Mike Verkest sits down with Dinah Welsh, President and CEO of the Texas EMS Trauma and Acute Care Foundation, and Douglas Havron, Executive Director and CEO of CATRAC, to unpack the meaning behind the statewide message: “Because of a RAC.”
Together, they discuss how Regional Advisory Councils bring EMS agencies, hospitals, specialty care providers, emergency management, public health, and disaster response partners together to improve care across Texas. From trauma, stroke, cardiac, pediatric readiness, and whole blood initiatives to disaster preparedness, data sharing, hospital coordination, and legislative advocacy, this episode highlights the work happening behind the scenes to make emergency healthcare systems stronger.
Because of a RAC, communities receive more coordinated care, systems become more connected, and patients benefit from a regional approach focused on readiness, outcomes, and continuous improvement.