Piedmont Newton Hospital adds personnel in process to achieve trauma program certification
Covington, Ga. (May 21, 2026) – Piedmont Newton Hospital is elevating two Emergency Department leaders to expanded roles to oversee the process for earning Level IV Trauma Center certification. Brittany Hackett, M.D., will serve as medical director of the trauma program and Courtney Adams as program manager.
Level IV Trauma Centers are equipped to provide advanced trauma life support before transferring patients who need the next level of trauma care.
“The ability of Piedmont Newton to provide Level IV trauma care will be a tremendous asset to Newton County,” said Piedmont Newton Executive Director of Operations Jon-Michael Williams. “Pursuing this designation is part of our ongoing investment in advanced training and technology to keep more patients close to home for care.”
Dr. Hackett has served as medical director for Piedmont Newton programs in emergency medicine, stroke, and chest pain since February 2025. She is an experienced leader of accreditation processes. Last year, Piedmont Newton achieved Primary Stroke Center certification from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) under her leadership. Dr. Hackett previously served in the U.S. Army for 12 years as a medical officer specializing in emergency medicine. She rose to the rank of Major and served in medical director leadership roles.
Adams possesses 15 years of experience in emergency nursing. She joined Piedmont Newton in October 2023 as an emergency room flow coordinator. In this role, she founded and co-led a task force to increase the efficiency of the rapid treatment area in the emergency room and contributed to doubling the number of patients seen there.
Dr. Hackett and Adams will prepare the department for a rigorous evaluation process by the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Office of EMS and Trauma, and the American College of Surgeons. Surveyors from these entities will examine clinical protocols, staff training, equipment readiness and quality improvement programs for trauma care at Piedmont Newton.
“Access to the appropriate level of care in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic injury can mean the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Hackett. “If all goes according to plan, we expect to be certified sometime next year.”
May is National Trauma Awareness Month.
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