Cook County Health’s Stroger Hospital is the first trauma center in Chicago, and only second in Illinois, to receive Level I verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

“Earning trauma verification from the American College of Surgeons is one of the highest distinctions a hospital can achieve. It reflects an elite level of readiness, quality, and patient outcomes that few institutions attain,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “ACS verification underscores that Stroger Hospital’s trauma team sets the standard for excellence, compassion, and innovation in saving lives and strengthening our community.”

“No one ever expects to need trauma care, but when they do, they want and deserve the best specialists and resources.  ACS verification is more than a designation, it is confidence that the trauma care at Stroger Hospital meets the highest national standards. We are proud to be the only ACS verified trauma center serving Chicago,” said CCH CEO, Dr. Erik Mikaitis.

Surveyors from ACS recently made a multi-day visit to Stroger Hospital to conduct a Trauma Verification, Review and Consultation Program (Trauma VRC Program).  The peer-review survey team assessed the hospital’s commitment, readiness, resources, policies, patient care, performance improvement, and other program features.  

ACS verification goes above and beyond standards required for trauma center designation at the state level. Patients cared for in ACS-verified trauma centers have a 25% lower risk of death and an improved quality of life compared with patients in non-verified centers due to access to on-call specialty surgical care.

“This certification is a powerful testament to our team’s commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Lauren Smith, CCH Chief Medical Officer. “To complete the rigorous verification process while at the same time also providing exceptional care to high acuity patients shows an incredible level of professionalism, resilience, and teamwork.”  

Surveyors noted strong leadership from the trauma team; exemplary work in Trauma Recovery, Intervention, & Prevention, which provides on-site violence intervention; and excellent professional and public education, including Stroger’s military-civilian partnership with the U.S. Navy.

There are three levels of ACS trauma center verification, each defined by specific standards that speak to the important roles of the center in serving its community. These standards clarify the care that must be available to the injured patient at the facility, along with other expectations related to research and educational contributions to advance the field and to ensure the availability of highly qualified trauma providers in the future.

“Cook County Health has been the site of many medical firsts throughout its storied history, and one includes Cook County Trauma Unit, the oldest comprehensive unit in the country,” said Dr. Mallory Williams, Cook County Health Chair of the Department of Trauma & Burn Services.

 “Because of the exceptional patient-centered, high-quality care we provide, countless patients have survived injuries that could have otherwise been devastating. Instead, they are able to return home to family and friends.”

Next year will mark the 60^ذ anniversary of the founding of Stroger Hospital’s trauma department, the first comprehensive trauma center in the United States. In 2025, the hospital’s trauma team has cared for nearly 4,000 patients.

ACS is dedicated to improving the care of the surgical patient and safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment. The Trauma VRC Program is designed to help hospitals evaluate and improve trauma care as well as provide objective, external review of institutional capability and performance.