Craig, Colo. — Memorial Regional Health (MRH) has earned Pediatric Advanced verification through the Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER) program, recognizing MRH’s high level of preparedness to care for infants, children, and adolescents during emergency situations.

COPPER, developed by EMS for Children Colorado in collaboration with statewide partners, helps hospitals strengthen pediatric emergency readiness through specialized training, policies, equipment standards, and quality improvement initiatives.

MRH received the Pediatric Advanced designation following an on-site review conducted in April where evaluators recognized the hospital’s comprehensive, multi-year commitment to improving pediatric emergency care.

“When we first evaluated our pediatric readiness, we scored around 53%,” said Jennifer Riley, CEO of Memorial Regional Health. “Through years of intentional work, collaboration, and dedication from our team, we reached a score of 95%—placing us in the top 10% of facilities our size nationwide. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the highest level of care for every patient who walks through our doors, especially our youngest.”

Research shows that emergency departments with pediatric readiness scores of 88% or higher can reduce pediatric mortality by up to 76%, underscoring the importance of programs like COPPER in rural communities.

“This effort wasn’t about checking a box or increasing reimbursement,” Riley added. “Our team took this on because it was the right thing to do for our patients and our community. It’s about quality, safety, and making sure families feel confident in the care available close to home.”

The effort was led by Sarah Moore, RN, BSN, Emergency Department Manager; Megan O’Toole, Trauma Nurse Coordinator; EJ Rajzer, Emergency Department Nurse; and Dr. Carson, who worked alongside emergency department staff, EMS partners, pediatric providers, and hospital leadership to evaluate and enhance pediatric-specific equipment, medications, procedures, training, and policies.

As part of the review, COPPER evaluators highlighted several strengths within MRH’s emergency department, including advanced pediatric certifications among nursing staff, strong integration with local pediatricians, pediatric-focused quality improvement initiatives, medication safety enhancements, annual pediatric skills training, neonatal resuscitation preparedness, behavioral health support for children, and injury prevention efforts focused on community engagement.

According to Rajzer, the process helped formalize and strengthen systems already deeply rooted in the hospital’s culture of care.

“It’s a comprehensive evaluation that looks at everything from equipment and medications to policies, training, and quality improvement,” Rajzer said. “In many cases, we realized we were already providing strong pediatric care, but this process helped us refine, document, and strengthen those practices even further.”

Rajzer said the work carries additional meaning in a rural community where families may have limited access to larger pediatric facilities.

“In a rural area like ours, we’re often the only hospital within 50 miles in any direction,” Rajzer said. “That means we need to be prepared for anything, including caring for children of all ages. These aren’t just patients — they’re the children of our friends, coworkers, neighbors, and community members.”

The hospital’s pediatric readiness efforts also included investments in patient comfort and family-centered care, including distraction and sensory tools such as the emergency department’s “Dose of Fun” cart and Carter Kits designed to help reduce anxiety for pediatric patients during emergency visits.

“We want families to feel confident coming here,” Rajzer added. “They should know their children will receive safe, high-quality care when it matters most. We’re incredibly proud of the work our team has done to make that a reality.”

COPPER reviewers noted that Memorial Regional Health demonstrated “a clear commitment to caring for the children of their community” and commended the hospital’s dedication to continuous improvement in pediatric emergency preparedness.