Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Achieves Level III Trauma Center Designation -The Only One in Alaska

3/10/2025

Palmer, AK, March 2025 – Mat-Su Regional Medical Center has earned designation as a Level III Trauma Center following successful completion of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the State of Alaska’s approval process. The ACS verification process reviews the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive and timely care for patients.

As a Level III Trauma Center in Alaska, Mat-Su Regional is equipped to provide 24-hour immediate coverage by emergency medicine physicians and the prompt availability of general surgeons and anesthesiologists. The hospital has demonstrated an ability to provide prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, intensive care and stabilization of injured patients and emergency operations. The facility has also developed resources for timely access to surgical specialists, advanced diagnostic imaging, and a dedicated trauma team trained to handle a wide range of critical injuries.

“As someone born and raised in Alaska, I understand the unique challenges our communities face when it comes to accessing emergency medical care, “ said Heather Zeznock, M.D., rrauma medical director at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. “This achievement is the result of extensive training, collaboration, and a deep commitment to serving the people of our state. Being the only Level III Trauma Center in Alaska means we can provide critical, life-saving care right here at home, reducing the need for long-distance transfers and allowing patients to remain close to their families and support systems during their recovery.”

This achievement strengthens Mat-Su Regional’s ability to serve the local community by offering advanced trauma care. This means valuable travel time will be greatly decreased for trauma patients who can receive the critical care they need locally, ultimately saving countless lives in the community.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as the only Level III Trauma Center in the state,” said David Wallace, CEO of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. “This designation reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, life-saving care to our community. It also strengthens Alaska’s trauma care network by ensuring that patients receive timely and expert treatment close to home.”

For the most critically injured patients, once they are stabilized, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center has agreements in place for transfer to a Level I or Level II trauma center that can provide further care. The hospital is also involved with prevention and has an active outreach program for its referring communities.

Mat-Su Regional’s emergency room team along with, General Surgeon & Trauma Medical Director Dr. Heather Zeznock, CEO Dave Wallace, and Trauma Coordinator Pam Cook

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