Legislation formalizes public-private partnership between Saint Francis Health System and OSU Medical Authority

OKLAHOMA CITY – For far too long, northeast Oklahoma has lacked access to a Level I Trauma Center for both adult and pediatric patients. That is now set to change, thanks to critical legislative action and a landmark partnership between Saint Francis Health System and the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Medical Authority.

Two key bills — HB 2784 and HB 2793 — formally establish a public-private partnership mechanism to develop a Level I Trauma Center serving Eastern Oklahoma. Both measures became law on May 29 without the Governor’s signature, marking a major milestone in expanding high-level trauma care in the region.

“Minutes matter when lives are on the line,” said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. “This partnership is a game-changer for northeast Oklahoma. It strengthens patient safety and ensures access to the highest level of trauma care closer to home. Establishing a Level I Trauma Center for adult and pediatric patients in Tulsa has been a top priority of the House Republican Caucus, and we’re proud to see this effort move forward with broad support.”

“Establishing a Level 1 Trauma Center in Tulsa will significantly enhance access to the highest level of emergency care for residents in eastern Oklahoma,” said Senate President Pro Temp Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. “It ensures that critical trauma services, which are often the difference between life and death, are available close to home, reducing the need for patients to be transported to Oklahoma City. The provisions of these pieces of legislation strengthens patient care in our state while providing training for world class physicians.”

“Establishing a Level I Trauma Center in Eastern Oklahoma is not just about today’s emergencies — it’s about building a sustainable, collaborative health system for the future,” said House Majority Leader Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa. “This partnership between OSU and Saint Francis is a model for how we can expand access, improve training, and invest wisely in public health across our state — especially when it comes to delivering high-quality trauma care for both adults and children.”

Saint Francis Health System, Oklahoma’s largest locally owned hospital system, has invested heavily in this initiative over the past decade.

“As Tulsa’s only locally owned and operated hospital system, the Saint Francis Health System has invested substantial resources over the last decade toward establishing a Level I Trauma Center serving Eastern Oklahoma where a majority of the System’s trauma patients are from rural communities,” said Dr. Cliff Robertson, President and CEO of Saint Francis Health System. “Saint Francis seeks to operate a Level I Trauma Center in Tulsa that will enhance life-saving care for adult and pediatric trauma patients and, through a continued partnership with Oklahoma State University, provide training for our state’s next generation of doctors.

Saint Francis is in the final stages of preparation for adult Level I Trauma verification by the American College of Surgeons, with a formal survey anticipated in 2025. Following that, the health system will begin the process for pediatric Level I Trauma verification.

“We are grateful for the leadership of Speaker Hilbert, Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, and the Legislature, as well as Governor Stitt, for recognizing and supporting this critical need,” Robertson added.

The partnership will also enhance academic training and clinical experience for future physicians through OSU’s involvement.

“The OSU Medical Authority is proud to participate in a public-private partnership with Saint Francis Health System to enhance both medical education and trauma services across eastern Oklahoma,” said Jay Helm, Chair of the OSU Medical Authority. “Since 2016, Saint Francis has been a vital partner in supporting OSU Medical Center, our teaching hospital in downtown Tulsa. This initiative supports our ability to prepare future physicians while addressing a critical healthcare need in our region.”

The initiative also has strong backing from regional business and civic leaders.

Mike Neal, President and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, said: “The Tulsa Regional Chamber strongly supports the establishment of a Level 1 Trauma Center in Tulsa.  As the economic engine of eastern Oklahoma and a center of healthcare innovation, our region must be equipped with the highest standard of emergency care. This initiative supports workforce development, research and long-term economic resilience. A Level I Trauma Center represents a vital investment in both the immediate and future well-being of the Tulsa region.”

Why It Matters for Oklahomans

• Faster, coordinated emergency response Saint Francis will serve as the primary destination for the region’s most serious emergencies, improving outcomes through rapid trauma care.
• Specialists’ available 24/7 Level I designation requires trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, and other experts to be physically present — not just on call — for critical cases.
• Better care for rural and pediatric patients Rural and underserved communities in Eastern Oklahoma will benefit from timely, top-tier trauma care closer to home.
• Physician training and education As a teaching site through OSU, the trauma center will help train future doctors — especially for Oklahoma’s rural health needs.
• Commitment to excellence Saint Francis will meet and maintain the nation’s highest standards in trauma care, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.

Level 1 trauma centers are traditionally known for handling the most severe physical injuries, but they also play a critical role in mental health care. Here’s why: 

They Handle High-Risk Mental Health Emergencies

Level 1 trauma centers often receive patients who are:

• Involved in suicide attempts

• Experiencing acute psychosis

• Dealing with substance use crises

• Victims of violent trauma, which can cause or exacerbate mental health conditions

These centers are equipped with 24/7 resources including, but not limited to trauma surgeons, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and social work teams, that can immediately stabilize patients both physically and mentally.

Integrated, Immediate Psychiatric Support

Many Level 1 centers have psychiatric consultation-liaison services embedded in the emergency and inpatient setting. This allows:

• Rapid psychiatric assessment after physical stabilization

• Immediate intervention for co-occurring mental health issues

• Coordination of care for patients with complex needs (e.g., trauma + PTSD + substance use)

They Often Set the Standard for Mental Health Protocols

Level 1 trauma centers are academic hubs that drive best practices. They:

• Research links between trauma and mental health

• Pilot screening tools for depression, PTSD, or suicide risk

• Train clinicians to identify and respond to mental health issues in trauma patients

This leadership improves mental health integration across the entire healthcare system.

They’re Gateways to the Mental Health System

For many people in crisis, a trauma center is their first, or only, contact with healthcare. This makes these centers:

• Crucial touchpoints for identifying undiagnosed mental illness

• Entry points for connecting patients to psychiatric care, social support, and case management

Especially in underserved areas, Level 1 trauma centers can be a critical link to mental health services that patients might not otherwise access.

Trauma is Both Physical and Psychological

Any physical trauma (car accidents, gunshot wounds, abuse) has emotional and psychological effects:

• PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief are common outcomes

• Early mental health intervention during physical trauma recovery improves long-term outcomes

Level 1 centers are increasingly addressing this with integrated mental health screening and care pathways.

Level 1 trauma centers aren’t just about saving lives, they’re about restoring whole people. Their capacity to respond to both the physical and psychological aspects of trauma makes them indispensable to mental health care, particularly for the most vulnerable and high-risk populations.