PACED Accreditation Program 2026 Award Recipients

The PACED Accreditation Program has named the 2026 recipients of two newly created awards.

ACEP PACED Innovations in Addiction Medicine Award

The ACEP PACED Innovations in Addiction Medicine Award recognizes hospitals that exemplify excellence in advancing the field of addiction medicine through research, education, and clinical care. 

2026 Recipients

Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY

• Stony Brook’s application distinguished itself as one of the strongest submissions reviewed this award cycle and achieved the highest overall evaluation score. Reviewers were particularly impressed by Stony Brook's comprehensive and data-driven approach to pain management.

St. Joseph’s Health, Paterson, NJ

• St. Joe’s PACED accreditation application stood out as a national model for innovative pain management and addiction care. Reviewers recognized Saint Joseph's longstanding leadership in Alternatives to Opioids (ALTO).

ACEP PACED Excellence in Pain Management Award

The ACEP PACED Excellence in Pain Management Award recognizes hospitals that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and measurable success in the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered pain management. This award honors institutions that go beyond standard practices to promote comprehensive and sustainable approaches to pain care across emergency medicine.

2026 Recipients

University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO

• The University of Colorado’s application was selected as a top-ranked finalist and recipient of the PACED Innovations in Addiction Medicine Award due to its exceptional performance across every award domain.

Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ

• Cooper University Hospital distinguished itself as one of the most innovative addiction medicine programs reviewed this cycle and was recognized for its substantial impact on both patient care and community health outcomes.