In February 2013, PHAB accredited its first cohort of 11 health departments. Since then, the first cohort has maintained its accreditation and learned valuable lessons in performance and quality improvement of public health practice. The lessons and practices implemented as a result of achieving and maintaining accreditation have led to increased accountability, transparency, as well as improved quality and performance for the department.

Read their stories below to learn more about the cohort and how accreditation transformed public health practice in their departments, and made an impact for their communities.

First Cohort of Accredited Health Departments

Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County

The Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County (CHA) decided to pursue accreditation because they felt a sense of responsibility to their community in delivering the best public health services possible.
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Comanche County Health Department

Pursuing accreditation was an opportunity for Comanche County Oklahoma Health Department (CCHD) to identify strengths as a local public health agency, highlight areas for improvement, and compare against national standards.

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Franklin County Health Department

Franklin County Health Department (FCHD) decided to pursue initial accreditation in 2012 to show credibility, align with partner agencies, identify areas for improvement, and breakdown internal silos.
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Livingston County Health Department

Livingston County Health Department (LCDOH) decided to pursue initial accreditation to improve the public’s health and safety by enhancing the quality and performance of the department.
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Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department

Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department (NKY Health) has always been driven to be a leader in public health and perform the 10 Essential Public Health Services at an elevated capacity.

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Oklahoma City-County Health Department

The skills honed during the initial accreditation process and through reaccreditation have created a culture of continuous quality improvement for Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD).
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Oklahoma State Department of Health

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) wanted to be an early adopter of accreditation and be a frontrunner in the state and communities they serve. The department had full leadership support that recognized the value of accreditation and its importance to public health.
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Three Rivers District Health Department

The PHAB Standards & Measures provided a “roadmap” for Three Rivers District Health Department (TRDHD) to do sound public health work. Without question, collaboration proved to be the most important skill gained during the accreditation process.
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Washington State Department of Health

Washington State Department of Health (WSDOH) has a history of measuring itself against public health standards. PHAB accreditation demonstrates accountability and credibility to the community, partners, and decision-makers.

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West Allis Health Department

The West Allis Health Department (WAHD) saw accreditation as a natural way for an already high performing local health department to further improve upon the programs and services provided, and the policies needed to support those services.
West Allis