Selma, Alabama (July 9, 2026) — Vaughan Regional Medical Center announced today that it has been officially designated as both a Level III Trauma Center and a Level III Stroke Center by the Alabama Trauma and Health System (ATHS), strengthening the hospital’s emergency readiness and expanding access to advanced, time‑critical care for patients across the region.

The New Level III Trauma Center designation confirms that Vaughan Regional provides 24/7 emergency coverage, immediate trauma evaluation, and rapid surgical availability for patients experiencing serious injuries. It also affirms that the hospital has a dedicated trauma team, an organized trauma program, and physicians trained in nationally recognized standards such as Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS).

The Level III Stroke Center designation recognizes Vaughan Regional’s ability to deliver rapid stroke evaluation, 24/7 emergency physician coverage, immediate CT imaging, and timely treatment for ischemic stroke, including evaluation and possible administration of tPA. The designation also confirms continuous neurology support, including structured transfer pathways for patients requiring advanced neurointerventional or neurosurgical care.

“This achievement reflects the commitment and expertise of our clinical teams,” said Michael James, CEO of Vaughan Regional Medical Center. “Being recognized as both a Level III Trauma Center and a Level III Stroke Center means our community can count on us for timely, lifesaving care when every second matters. I’m incredibly proud of the work our physicians, nurses, and staff have done to reach these milestones.”

With these designations, residents in Selma and surrounding areas gain faster access to advanced trauma and stroke care close to home. Emergency physicians are in-house at all times, surgeons and anesthesia providers are rapidly available, and the hospital is equipped to stabilize and treat most trauma and stroke cases. When highly specialized care is required, Vaughan Regional works seamlessly with Alabama’s Trauma and Health System to coordinate rapid transfer to Level I or II centers.

“These recognitions strengthen our ability to deliver expert emergency care right here in Selma,” James added. “Families can feel confident knowing that advanced trauma and stroke care is available in their own community, supported by a statewide system designed to get patients the right care at the right time.”

The dual designations reflect Vaughan Regional’s ongoing investment in quality, training, and multidisciplinary review, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to safety, readiness, and coordinated emergency response for the region it serves.

About Vaughan Regional Medical Center

Vaughan Regional Medical Center is a sole community provider hospital located in historic Selma, Alabama. The 175-bed Joint Commission-accredited facility employs approximately 400 people. The city of Selma has a population of approximately 25,000 with a secondary service area of 90,000. The medical staff consists of more than 75 physicians serving 22 medical specialties. The hospital's campus is in Dallas County, which is nestled along the banks of the Alabama River.

At Vaughan Regional Medical Center, our expert, caring professionals strive daily to ensure that we not just meet but exceed expectations in providing quality health care to our patients. More importantly, the Vaughan family prides itself on providing excellent care and customer service to the patients, family members, and visitors on our campus. Learn more at VaughanRegional.com/about.