Piedmont Walton Hospital certified as Level III Trauma Center

Monroe, Ga. (September 3, 2026) – Piedmont Walton Hospital has been certified as a Level III Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma, validating the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality emergency and trauma care for Walton County and surrounding communities.

The ACS granted Piedmont Walton Hospital Level III Trauma Center verification, following a comprehensive review of the hospital's trauma program, clinical capabilities and adherence to national standards for trauma care.

"Piedmont Walton’s trauma team is committed to delivering safe, compassionate care to every patient who comes through our doors," said Mark Benak, MD, trauma medical director at Piedmont Walton Hospital. "This certification recognizes the strength of our trauma program and our ongoing efforts to provide the highest level of care close to home."

Level III trauma centers play a critical role in providing swift assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients. The designation recognizes hospital programs that have demonstrated the resources and expertise required to deliver trauma care around the clock while working with larger trauma centers when higher levels of care are needed.

The ACS Verification, Review and Consultation Program evaluates trauma centers against evidence-based standards designed to improve patient outcomes and advance trauma care nationwide. Verified trauma centers undergo regular surveys to demonstrate compliance with these standards and continuous performance improvement.

"Achieving and maintaining ACS verification requires an ongoing commitment to excellence," said Garrett Polston, trauma program manager at Piedmont Walton Hospital. "Our team is constantly evaluating and improving our practices to make sure we meet the highest standards in trauma care and are prepared to respond when minutes count."

Piedmont Walton Hospital is an ACS Surgical Quality Partner through its participation in the Trauma Verification, Review and Consultation Program. The distinction recognizes the hospital's commitment to quality improvement and patient-centered surgical and trauma care.

To learn more about care provided at Piedmont Walton Hospital, visit piedmont.org/walton.