In 1983, then Shelby County Mayor Bill Morris, a friend and fan of Elvis Presley, officially dedicated The MED’s trauma center as the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center. Two years later, the center received its level-one trauma center designation, the highest level possible. In 1986, The MED created the MED Foundation with $50,000 donated by Elvis fans. The role of The MED Foundation is to fund medical excellence and promote awareness of The MED.

Just as Elvis emerged from small town obscurity to become an international icon, The MED emerged as a leader in healthcare. The Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center is the only level-one trauma center serving Memphis and its 150-mile radius. It is one of the nation’s three busiest trauma centers and it has an astounding 98% survival rate after the first 24 hours. Its neurotrauma team treats more severe brain and spine-related injuries than any other trauma center in the country.

A quarter century after dedicating the trauma center to Elvis Presley, The MED still enjoys a special relationship with fans of “The King.” Each year Elvis fans make a pilgrimage to The MED for a special reception honoring their legacy. Fans also visit the donor wall of honor to view the plaques of donors who have given a total of $1,000.

“Elvis Presley was a pioneer,” said Jack Soden, President of Elvis Presley Enterprises and a member of The MED Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Elvis changed things: he changed music; he changed culture; he changed style. We know that he would be so proud that the trauma center bears his name because it too is a pioneer.”

This year the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center will celebrate its 25th birthday. A special 25th birthday logo will be used throughout the year with the tagline “25 years of giving more birthdays.”

An Elvis Presley Souvenir License Plate will be available in late fall. This plate will resemble the authentic Tennessee Elvis license plate and a portion of the proceeds will support the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center.

To give to the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center, click here.