From staff reports
BIRMINGHAM— The Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) announced today it has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). JCDH is one of hundreds of health departments across the country that prepared to seek accreditation through PHAB, the non-profit organization that administers the national public health accreditation program. JCDH is the first health department in the state of Alabama to receive this accreditation.
“We are pleased and excited to be recognized for achieving national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement,” Dr. Mark Wilson, Jefferson County Health Officer and CEO of JCDH said. “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, JCDH is demonstrating increased accountability and credibility to the public elected officials and partner organizations with which we work,” added Wilson.
The national accreditation program, jointly supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sets standards against which the nation’s more than 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 the Jefferson County Department of Health has been rigorously examined and meets or exceeds national standards that promote continuous quality improvement for public health,” Wilson 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.”
JCDH plays a critical role in protecting and improving the health of people and communities throughout Jefferson County. It is the mission of JCDH to provide services aimed at promoting healthy behaviors; preventing diseases and injuries; ensuring access to safe food, water, clean air, and life-saving immunization, as well as preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.