PHD earns national accreditation

Panhandle Health District has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Hayden-based agency announced Monday.

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 and districts. Panhandle Health is one of fewer than 300 health departments that have thus far achieved accreditation through PHAB since the organization launched in 2011.

However, hundreds of health departments across the country are preparing to seek accreditation through PHAB, the nonprofit organization that administers the national public health accreditation program.

“We are pleased and excited to be recognized for achieving national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement,” said Lora Whalen, director of Panhandle Health District, in a press release. “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, PHD is demonstrating increased accountability and credibility to the public, funders, elected officials and partner organizations with which we work.”

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 Panhandle Health District has been rigorously examined and meets or exceeds national standards that promote continuous quality improvement for public health,” Whalen 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.”

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.

Panhandle Health District provides over 40 different public health services and public health programs to families, individuals and organizations in Kootenai, Boundary, Bonner, Benewah and Shoshone counties.