The program helps ensure emergency departments across Colorado achieve higher standards in pediatric emergency care
(CENTENNIAL, CO) August 22, 2025 − CommonSpirit St. Mary-Corwin Hospital and CommonSpirit St. Elizabeth Hospital recently earned Pediatric Advanced designation from the Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER) program.
St. Mary-Corwin is the only hospital in Pueblo and the 11 surrounding counties of Southern and Southeastern Colorado to receive this designation. Together, St. Mary-Corwin and St. Elizabeth are the first two CommonSpirit Mountain Region hospitals to undertake the COPPER designation process.
“Our mission calls us to improve the health of the people we serve and that begins with taking care of our youngest patients," said Mike Cafasso, President of St. Mary-Corwin Hospital. "This Pediatric Advanced designation ensures we are prepared to provide the safest and best care for children and families. We are very proud of our Emergency Department team for making sure every child who visits us receives the best care."
COPPER is a voluntary pediatric readiness recognition program developed by EMS for Children Colorado in collaboration with statewide partners. The initiative was created to help emergency departments across Colorado achieve higher standards in pediatric emergency care. According to EMS Colorado, 69.4% of children seeking emergency care are cared for in emergency departments (EDs) that see fewer than 15 pediatric patients per day.
John Swanhorst, President of St. Elizabeth Hospital, said “improving the health of our community starts with meticulously caring for our youngest patients. This Pediatric Advanced designation proudly affirms our extensive preparedness to offer the safest, highest quality care to children and their families. We are incredibly proud of our Emergency Department for their tireless work, ensuring every child receives the best possible treatment”.
The program offers two levels of recognition: Pediatric Prepared and Pediatric Advanced, with the Advanced level representing the highest level of pediatric emergency readiness. To reach this level, St. Mary-Corwin and St. Elizabeth had to have Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators (PECCs), both a nurse and a physician. The hospitals also have added equipment and increased training around pediatric care. In addition, St. Mary-Corwin has implemented a multidisciplinary Pediatric Care Committee.
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
