(SALINAS, Calif., Jan. 5, 2025) – Natividad Medical Center proudly announces the 10th anniversary of its Level II Trauma Center designation. This milestone underscores the hospital's unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, lifesaving medical care to the Monterey County community. 

Since receiving its designation on January 5, 2015, Natividad has transformed the region's emergency medical services landscape. As the only Level II Trauma Center in Monterey County, it has become a beacon of hope for critically injured patients, addressing a vital need in one of California's largest counties without such facilities at the time. 

Dr. Alexander Di Stante, the Trauma Medical Director and Surgical Services Director, said that years of dedication and rigorous preparation went into becoming a Level II Trauma Center. "Our journey to becoming a designated trauma center involved meticulous planning, significant upgrades to our facilities and staffing, and was a collaborative effort with our leadership team," he said. "The improvements we implemented not only elevated our hospital's reputation but also transformed the standard of care we provide to our entire community." 

Over the past decade, Natividad Trauma Center has treated more than 14,000 trauma patients, averaging 1,400 cases annually. Its robust trauma program is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by highly trained professionals, including double-boarded trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopedic trauma surgeons, trauma nurse practitioners and trauma-trained nurses. All specialized medical personnel are committed to delivering round-the-clock care and support. "This level of preparedness, along with our location within an hour's reach by ambulance or helicopter, has saved countless lives," Dr. Di Stante said. 

Dr. Di Stante said the trauma center team exemplifies a commitment to collaboration and rapid response. As a Level II Trauma Center, Natividad attracts top medical talent — doctors and other medical professionals who seek out the challenges of trauma care. This creates a halo effect where patient outcomes and care is improved for all patients, not just for trauma patients. With its exceptional readiness and skill, Natividad’s Trauma Center operates at the same level as the top Level I Trauma Centers. The primary difference between its Level II and a Level I is that Natividad doesn't have trauma teaching, research or fellowship programs. 

Trauma remains the leading cause of death for people aged 45 and younger, making immediate access to specialized trauma care crucial. Studies show that treatment at a Contact: Hillary Fish fishh@natividad.com (831) 783-2693 2 designated trauma center reduces death rates by 25% compared to non-trauma facilities. While car accidents account for 45% of the trauma cases treated, falls make up 21% of patients. Assault injuries account for 12% of trauma patients, while other incidents are 4%. Pedestrian accidents have surged to 7% of cases, while motorcycle and bicycle incidents hover at 6% and 4%, respectively, and cars often play a role in these traumatic injuries. For pediatric cases needing specialized care, the hospital coordinates transfers as required to ensure the best outcomes. 

"Our impact on the community extending beyond the treatment room reflects our dedication to comprehensive care, from emergency arrival through discharge and rehabilitation, providing lifesaving care accessibly close to home," Dr. Di Stante said. "It can be seen in the lives we've saved and the families we've helped reunite." 

The hospital’s trauma program also offers community-focused trauma prevention education and programs such as Stop the Bleed to equip the public with medical tactics, like compression and tourniquet applications, to save lives in urgent situations. Natividad Foundation’s CHOICE violence intervention program addresses the root causes of violence. It places expert interventionists at the bedside and offers resources to patients to avoid retaliation and returning to a violent lifestyle. 

"Natividad is dedicated to continuing our journey of excellence and ensuring that our community has accessible world-class health care close to home," said Natividad CEO Dr. Chad Harris. "We look forward to the next decade and beyond and are committed to saving lives and improving patient outcomes for everyone in Monterey County."

About Natividad 
Natividad is a hospital and trauma center providing compassionate high-quality health care to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care for adults and children. Founded in 1886, the 172- bed medical center has more than 11,000 admissions and 60,000 emergency visits annually. Home to the area's only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital's specialized personnel, equipment and services provide a vital local community service that saves lives and keeps patients close to home. Natividad's Baby-Friendly® facility delivers nearly 2,300 babies every year and is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. It also operates an accredited Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving the tiniest and most fragile babies the best chance for a healthy start. Through its UCSF-affiliated Natividad Family Medicine Residency, Natividad is the only teaching hospital on the Central Coast. For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.