Ascension St. John Celebrates 1 Year as Tulsa's First Level 1 Trauma Center

One year after becoming the first hospital in Northeast Oklahoma to earn American College of Surgeons (ACS) Level 1 Trauma Center verification, Ascension St. John is reflecting on the milestone and the impact advanced trauma care continues to have across the region.

The ACS verification recognizes hospitals that meet the highest national standards for trauma care and have the resources, specialists, and systems in place to provide comprehensive treatment for the most severe injuries. Since earning the designation in 2025, Ascension St. John has continued to serve patients across Northeast Oklahoma with advanced trauma care available close to home.

"As we reflect on the past year, this milestone represents far more than a designation," said Dr. Michael Charles, Ascension St. John Trauma Medical Director. "It reflects the dedication of our doctors, nurses, caregivers, and support teams who work together every day to provide life-saving care for patients across the region. We are incredibly proud of the collaboration and commitment that made this achievement possible."

Ascension St. John first earned ACS verification as a Level 2 Trauma Center in 2009 and spent more than a decade building upon that foundation to achieve Level 1 verification. The hospital continues to provide comprehensive trauma care supported by specialists in neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, hand surgery, plastics, obstetrics/gynecology, and urology, available 24/7.

Since earning Level 1 verification, Ascension St. John has treated thousands of trauma patients and seen an increase in trauma activations, reflecting both increased demand and the growing need for advanced trauma care across the region.

"This anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the teams behind this achievement and the impact their work continues to have on patients and families throughout Northeast Oklahoma," said Bo Beaudry, Ascension St. John CEO. "For nearly 100 years, Ascension St. John has continued to grow alongside the communities we serve, and this milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare for future generations."

The anniversary comes as Ascension St. John marks its centennial year. Over the last century, the health system has grown from a single hospital into a regional network with seven hospitals, more than 80 clinics, and nearly 8,000 associates serving communities across Northeast Oklahoma and Southeastern Kansas.