Sharmel “Itsy” Ray, RN, Trauma Coordinator at Western Reserve Hospital, has been named the next Chair of the Northeast Ohio Regional Trauma Network (NORTN).

“I am excited for the challenge and grateful for my regional colleagues who voted me into this position,” said Ray. 

Ray will lead the group alongside the current Member at Large and Secretary, who all report to the Akron Regional Hospital Association (ARHA) board of directors. 

NORTN is comprised of the trauma centers in Portage, Stark and Summit counties – Akron Children’s Hospital, Aultman Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Mercy, Summa Health System, University Hospitals Portage Medical Center and Western Reserve Hospital. 

"We are proud of Itsy as she leads this important group," said Dr. Robert Kent, CEO and President, Western Reserve Hospital. "Itsy has guided several organizations on their journey to becoming certified trauma centers - including our own - and she is a natural fit to guide hospitals in our area in delivering the best trauma care to our patients."

The Network collaborates to provide patients with consistent and up-to-date care as well as education at NORTN’s quarterly and yearly conferences for healthcare providers, such as physicians, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, residents, nurses, respiratory therapists and emergency medical services.