Public health accreditation: a work in progress

Published 10:01 am Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Jonathan Vorbeck

www.jessaminehealth.org

Public Health Accreditation is evolving as one of the frameworks for local, state, and tribal health departments to efficiently and effectively manage their daily operations. To receive accreditation, a health department undertakes a rigorous, multi-faceted, peer-reviewed assessment process to assure it meets or exceeds public health quality standards and measures. Although the accreditation process is complex and time-consuming, it is well worth the efforts. As of August 17, 2016, 150 public health departments have been accredited, including 10 from Kentucky. Accredited health departments are seen as leaders amongst their peers and have experienced opportunities for quality and performance opportunities. 

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The Jessamine County Health Department (JCHD) started our accreditation journey in October 2014. We have worked diligently to provide documentation to support our programs and services and continued to carry out our mission, to promote, protect, and improve the health and wellness of our community, all while fulfilling the criteria to suffice the Public Health Accreditation Board’s (PHAB) standards and measures. With the support of employees and community partners, major plans have been developed and implemented to improve health outcomes in our county and advance the JCHD organization as a whole, while also satisfying accreditation criteria. These plans include:

Jessamine County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan, 2015-2019 JCHD Strategic Plan, 2014-2016 JCHD Quality Improvement Plan, JCHD Performance Management System, JCHD Workforce Development Plan.

To review the listed plans above please visit our health department’s website at www.jessaminehealth.org or call 859-885-4149 ext. 1042 for any questions regarding the accreditation process.