Jersey City Medical Center’s Level II Trauma Center Reverification: A Win for Hudson County’s Families

More Than a Certification - A Commitment to the Community

Mitchell Chaar, MD, FACS, is the Division Chief, Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Jersey City Medical Center an RWJBarnabas Health hospital.

The reverification of Jersey City Medical Center's Level II Trauma Center is far more than just a certification-it is a promise to the community that high-quality, life-saving care will always be available. For Hudson County, this means specialized trauma care tailored to the community's needs, ensuring the best possible treatment in times of crisis.

This Spring, Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health hospital successfully completed a comprehensive reverification process to confirm that it continues to meet the national standards set by the American College of Surgeons. The Trauma Center is designated by the State of New Jersey as the Level II Trauma Center for Hudson County, and its team has responded to many traumatic incidences in Hudson County as a major responder on and after September 11, 2001, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, train derailments and HAZMAT incidents. It has supported presidential visits to Hudson County, and has been active in traumatic incidences occurring on the County's waterways, the NJ Turnpike, the Lincoln Tunnel and Liberty State Park.

What Does Trauma Center Reverification Mean?

As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Trauma Verification, Review, and Consultation (VRC) program ensures that hospitals meet the highest standards in trauma care. To qualify for verification or reverification, a Level II Trauma Center like Jersey City Medical Center, must demonstrate the ability to provide comprehensive emergency care for severe injuries, including surgical intervention, critical care, and rehabilitation services. The reverification process, which was completed in 2025, confirms that the hospital continues to meet these rigorous standards, ensuring patients receive the best possible care when seconds matter most.

Why This Matters for Hudson County

Families in Hudson County face unique health risks, making access to top-tier trauma care essential. The Level II Trauma Center at Jersey City Medical Center provides expert care for serious injuries and emergencies, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, workplace injuries, severe burns, and life-threatening fractures. Our skilled trauma team is equipped to handle complex cases ensuring patients receive rapid, specialized treatment that can make all the difference in critical moments.

In addition to its clinical expertise, Jersey City Medical Center is a proud partner of the Safe Kids Hudson County Coalition, offering year-round programs through our Injury Prevention Program to educate parents on proper car seat and booster seat installation, promote pedestrian safety and accident prevention, provide bicycle safety education and offering fall prevention initiatives for seniors.

Supporting Victims of Violence

Like many urban areas, Hudson County experiences cases of domestic violence, requiring urgent medical attention. Individuals suffering trauma from physical abuse, assault, or other injuries need a facility equipped to provide both emergency care and long-term recovery support.

Jersey City Medical Center is fortunate to have Project Hudson (Helping Us Develop Strength in Our Neighborhoods)-a hospital-based violence intervention program that provides a navigator to assist victims, connecting them to resources such as food, clothing, and sometimes shelter, ensuring they have the support needed for a fresh start after leaving the hospital.

A Legacy of Excellence in Trauma Care

Jersey City Medical Center remains committed to excellence in trauma care, as demonstrated by its successful reverification-one of many over the past 19 years under the leadership of Bruno Molino, MD, FACS. Previously serving as Medical Director of the Trauma Center, Dr. Molino now continues his dedication to surgical excellence as Chairman of the Department of Surgery at JCMC and Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

As Hudson County continues to grow and evolve, Jersey City Medical Center's steadfast commitment to trauma care ensures that residents and visitors alike have access to life-saving treatment when it matters most. This reverification reflects the hospital's dedication to maintaining the highest standards in emergency care, prevention, and recovery support. With a legacy of excellence and a future focused on innovation, Jersey City Medical Center remains a trusted pillar in the community-providing expert, compassionate care to those in need.