Monterey County honors Natividad Medical Center’s trauma program on its 10th anniversary

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday presented a resolution recognizing the 10th anniversary of the trauma program at Natividad Medical Center and thanked hospital staff for services to the region.

Chair Mary L. Lopez introduced the resolution and noted the results of a county review a decade earlier that designated Natividad as the Central Coast trauma center. "I see that 14,000 folks have been served through our trauma center," Lopez said, and she described life-saving cases that underscored proximity to care.

Dr. Craig Walz, an emergency physician and chief medical officer at Natividad, said he came to Monterey County 18 years ago and described the trauma program’s "halo effect" across the hospital. "The trauma program has brought a halo effect — a rising tide that lifts all boats — and really, it's made all 1,600 of us that work at your county hospital strive to be better," Dr. Walz said.

Andrea Rosenberg, chief ancillary and support services officer, and Julie Ramirez, the trauma program director, also accepted the resolution and credited a wide team of clinical and support staff. Rosenberg told supervisors the program’s success depended on many employees beyond direct providers; Ramirez called the designation an "honor" and said the program had been "quite a journey." Hospital representatives asked the board to pass the board’s thanks to all hospital employees.

Why it matters: Board members framed the trauma program as a regional asset that keeps critical care close to home for Monterey County residents. Supervisor Church praised the county’s role in supporting the designation and noted the program’s importance to local families.

Outcome: The board presented the ceremonial resolution and publicly thanked Natividad staff. There was no additional policy action associated with the presentation.