It's a dichotomy." Medical officials told lawmakers on Tuesday the state already underfunds Tennessee's trauma centers compared to neighboring states, dedicating just $1.93 per Tennessee resident ...

Lawmakers originally funded trauma centers with cigarette tax revenue, but cigarette use has significantly declined over 20 years.

Tennessee dedicates $1.93 per resident to help fund its trauma centers. That amount is lower than neighboring states, which provide $2.21 to $8.12 in funding per resident. Tennessee trauma centers ...