Carson City Health & Human Services became the first public health department in the state to receive accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board.
“We are pleased and excited to be recognized for achieving national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement,” said Nicki Aaker, CCHHS director, in a statement. “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, Carson City Health & Human Services is demonstrating increased accountability and credibility to the public, funders, elected officials and partner organizations with which we work.”
To receive accreditation, a health department undergoes a peer-reviewed assessment process, including a site visit, to ensure it meets or exceeds a set of quality standards and measures.
CCHHS started the process in 2010 and worked with community partners to complete projects for accreditation such as the Carson City Community Health Assessment, Community Health Improvement Plan and the internal Health Department Strategic Plan.
About 200 public health departments have received accreditation since PHAB launched it in 2011.