(COLUMBIA, MO) -
The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The national accreditation program works to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing and ultimately transforming the quality and performance of the nation's state, local, Tribal and territorial public health departments. PHHS is one of four local health agencies in the state of Missouri to have achieved national accreditation, and joins fewer than 200 of the approximately 3,000 health departments across the country have achieved accreditation thus far through PHAB since the organization launched in 2011.
"We are pleased and excited to be recognized for achieving national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement," said Stephanie Browning, PHHS director. "The accreditation process helps to ensure that the programs and services we provide are as responsive as possible to the needs of our community. With accreditation, we are demonstrating increased accountability and credibility to the public, funders, elected officials and partner organizations that we work with."
The national accreditation program, jointly supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sets standards against which the nation's nearly 3,000 governmental public health departments can continuously improve the quality of their services and performance. To receive accreditation, a health department must undergo a rigorous, multi-faceted, peer-reviewed assessment process to ensure it meets or exceeds a set of quality standards and measures.
"Whenever you see our seal of accreditation, you will know that our department has been rigorously examined and meets or exceeds national standards that promote continuous quality improvement for public health," Public Information Officer Andrea Waner said. "By continuing to improve our services and performance, we can be sure we are meeting the public health needs of those we serve as effectively as possible."
Public health departments play a critical role in protecting and improving the health of people and communities. In cities, towns, and states across the nation, health departments provide a range of services aimed at promoting healthy behaviors; preventing diseases and injuries; ensuring access to safe food, water, clean air, and life-saving immunizations; and preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.
"The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services joins the growing ranks of accredited health departments in a strong commitment to their public health mission," said PHAB President and CEO Kaye Bender, PhD, RN, FAAN. "The peer-review process provides valuable feedback to inform health departments of their strengths and areas for improvement, so that they can better protect and promote the health of the people they serve in their communities."
The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services is a city/county organization serving the health and social service needs of the mid-Missouri community, with a mission to promote and protect the health, safety, and well-being of the community through leadership, partnership, and service. For more information, or to schedule an interview with assistant director Scott Clardy, call (573)441-5560 or [email protected].
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