MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Department of Public Health designated Baptist Medical Center South as a Level I Trauma Center. A Level I designation indicates the highest level of trauma care available in the state.

Baptist Medical Center South is one of four Level I Trauma Centers within Alabama. This designation means the facility will offer immediate access to trauma surgeons, specialized physicians, and advanced diagnostic capabilities. The center will also maintain operating room readiness and multidisciplinary teams to address critical injuries.

Russell Tyner, President and CEO of Baptist Health, stated that the designation is a defining moment for the organization and the communities it serves. Tyner said, "While this designation is new, the level of care it represents is something our teams have delivered to Central Alabama for a number of years." He added, "Today, that long-standing commitment is being formally recognized."

John Mark Vermillion, Director of Trauma at Baptist Medical Center South, said, "This achievement strengthens our ability to care for patients when every second matters." He added, "When the unexpected happens, Central Alabama relies on Baptist Health for advanced trauma and emergency care and this ensures the most critically injured patients in our region can receive the highest level of care close to home."