Piedmont Cartersville earns reaccreditation as Level III Trauma Center from the American College of Surgeons

Cartersville, Ga. (December 16, 2025) – Piedmont Cartersville Medical Center has earned reaccreditation as a Level III Trauma Center from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), reaffirming its role as a trusted provider of lifesaving care for patients with traumatic injuries in Northwest Georgia.

The ACS trauma verification process is conducted every three years and involves a comprehensive on-site review by experienced trauma surgeons. The evaluation examines everything from clinical protocols and staff training to equipment readiness and quality improvement programs. This rigorous process ensures that hospitals meet nationally recognized standards for trauma care.

A Level III Trauma Center is equipped to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, and intensive care for injured patients. It guarantees 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists, along with a robust commitment to community education and injury prevention.

“This reaccreditation reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire team,” said Lori Rakes, CEO of Piedmont Cartersville. “Every day, we live out Piedmont’s values of safety, integrity, and compassion by ensuring patients receive the highest level of care when every second counts.”

Jan Tidwell, Chief Nursing Officer at Piedmont Cartersville, added: “Trauma care is a collaborative effort that demands precision and compassion. Our nurses, physicians, and support staff work tirelessly to meet the stringent standards set by the ACS, and this achievement is a testament to their commitment to excellence and to our patients.”

At Piedmont, we put patients first by delivering care that is safe, compassionate, and built on integrity. Our mission is to make a positive difference in every life we touch, and this designation reflects our unwavering commitment to that promise.

Piedmont Cartersville serves as a critical resource for trauma care in Bartow County and surrounding communities, providing lifesaving interventions and coordinating transfers for patients requiring higher levels of care. The reaccreditation underscores the hospital’s ongoing investment in advanced training, technology, and community education to improve outcomes for trauma patients.