Public health departments play a crucial role in the health and wellbeing of their communities. In 2022, the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) launched the Pathways Recognition program as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen governmental public health infrastructure. Pathways is a program designed to support performance improvement efforts, strengthen infrastructure, and facilitate public health system transformation for local, Tribal, and territorial public health departments. Pathways Recognition demonstrates alignment with the Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) framework and can serve as a meaningful steppingstone toward national accreditation for local, tribal, and territorial health departments.

Pathways uses a cohort model to provide health departments with an opportunity for shared learning and engagement. The inaugural cohort, launched in August 2023, was comprised of two health departments: a city health department on the east coast with 39 staff serving a population of 54,000, and a county health department on the west coast with a staff of 54 serving a population of 45,000. Although these health departments joined the cohort with differences in population, structure, and readiness, both departments found value in their Pathways Learning Community participation.

The Learning Community structure consists of four live, virtual learning sessions with PHAB staff. These sessions are designed to prepare health departments for the documentation submission step of Pathways Recognition, reiterating key concepts taught throughout the Readiness and Training process:

1. Session 1: Overview of Learning Community Process and Refresher on PHAB Pathways policies
2. Session 2: Selecting and Preparing Documentation
3. Session 3: Reviewing Documentation and Measure Interpretation Questions
4. Session 4: Tips and Guidance for Responding to Reopened Measures during the Initial Pathways Review

Participants of the inaugural cohort found value in this approach, citing their ability to ask questions, receive timely feedback, and establish direct lines of communication as benefits. Questions centered on how best to engage staff and governing entities in the Pathways process, strategies for maximizing a small staff and limited resources, and tips for making the Pathways and accreditation journey fun and engaging.

One participant commented:

“It was an engaging experience and opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification that email cannot capture.”

Another participant commented:

“Participating in the Pathways cohort allowed me to learn more about PHAB and the support they provide not only during the trainings but outside the trainings as well. What I found most beneficial in being a part of the cohort was that you can share where you are in the accreditation process and lean on the PHAB team to provide their knowledge and expertise in any challenges you may face. Participating in the cohort provided comfort in preparing documents for submission to PHAB.”

Feedback from the first cohort emphasized that having extra touch points and time with PHAB staff was valuable. This was particularly beneficial for an Accreditation Coordinator who was new to their role and lacked prior knowledge and experience in PHAB accreditation.

The experiences of the first cohort highlight the impact of a Learning Community approach in building capacity, confidence, and readiness for Pathways Recognition and a future application for full accreditation. By receiving tailored support in a collaborative environment and becoming Pathways Recognized, health departments can build capacity in areas of quality and performance improvement and gain confidence in their ability to document delivery of the Foundational Capabilities.

There are three standard cohorts planned each calendar year with start dates of March 1, July 1, and December 1. If your health department is interested in joining the upcoming March 2024 cohort, you should be enrolled in the Readiness and Training process with the ability to meet the deadlines listed below:

• Submit your completed Readiness Assessment to PHAB by January 15, 2024
• Register for and attend the Live Virtual Training on February 6, 2024
• Submit your Pathways application by February 15, 2024

Have questions about Pathways Recognition or interested in joining a future cohort?

Reach out to [email protected] with questions, visit the Pathways Recognition webpage for more information, and consult the 2024 Pathway Recognition Important Dates.

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Stay tuned for updates on the second cohort of Pathways and the announcement of the first Pathways Recognized health department!