Piedmont Walton earns ACS verification as Level III Trauma Center

Lisa Thomas, Trauma Program Performance Improvement Coordinator; Kim Reusmann, Trauma Accreditation Program Registrar; Mark Benak, M.D., Trauma Medical Director and Piedmont Walton general surgeon; Garett Polston, Manager, Trauma Program. Contributed photo

MONROE, Ga. (Sept. 3, 2026)— Piedmont Walton Hospital announced that it has received Level III Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, adding national ACS verification to the hospital’s existing Level III trauma designation in Georgia.

The announcement represents an important milestone for the Monroe hospital and its ability to provide emergency and trauma care close to home for residents of Walton County and surrounding communities.

While Piedmont Walton has been recognized as a Level III trauma center under Georgia’s trauma system for several years, the ACS verification is a separate, comprehensive review of the hospital’s trauma program. Georgia Department of Public Health records list Piedmont Walton as a Level III trauma center in the state’s 2024 and 2025 trauma-center reports.

The ACS Committee on Trauma evaluates trauma centers against national standards covering clinical capabilities, staffing, resources, quality improvement and other elements of trauma care. The verification process is designed to ensure trauma programs have the resources and systems necessary to provide timely, coordinated care to seriously injured patients.

“Piedmont Walton’s trauma team is committed to delivering safe, compassionate care to every patient who comes through our doors,” said Mark Benak, M.D., 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.”

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.