Piedmont Athens Regional reverified as Level II Trauma Center

Athens, Ga. (September 9, 2026) - Piedmont Athens Regional has again earned verification as a Level II Trauma Center from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), reaffirming the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality trauma care for patients across Northeast Georgia.

Maintaining ACS trauma center verification requires years of preparation, rigorous standards, ongoing performance improvement and a coordinated team approach to patient care.

Each day, the hospital's trauma team cares for some of the most critically injured patients in the region, providing timely, coordinated and evidence-based care close to home. The achievement reflects the commitment of hundreds of caregivers who work together to meet the highest standards in trauma care.

"I am incredibly proud of our providers and staff and the commitment they demonstrate every day to delivering safe, compassionate, evidence-based and high-quality trauma care," Piedmont Athens Regional CEO Michael Burnett said. "Our ACS verification is more than a designation. It represents the dedication of the people behind it."

The ACS re-verification recognizes Piedmont Athens Regional's ongoing dedication to clinical excellence, multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous quality improvement in the treatment of injured patients. As a Level II Trauma Center, the hospital provides comprehensive trauma care and serves patients throughout Athens and the surrounding 17-county region.

"Our re-verification is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and passion of an entire team," said Heather Morgan, trauma program manager at Piedmont Athens Regional. "From our EMS providers, physicians and advanced practice providers to our nurses, technicians, therapists, registrars and ancillary staff, every person plays an important role in caring for trauma patients and helping us achieve this distinction."

Piedmont Athens Regional continues to invest in clinical excellence, advanced specialty care and quality improvement initiatives that enhance outcomes for patients across Northeast Georgia. The hospital's trauma program works closely with emergency medical services, physicians, nurses and support teams to ensure injured patients receive the highest level of care when every minute counts.