Coshocton health district earns national accreditation

The Coshocton Public Health District announced it has been awarded national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. Established in 2007, PHAB is the nonprofit organization that administers the national accreditation program, which aims to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure and innovation.

“We are so pleased to be recognized by PHAB for achieving national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement," said Kristina Bell, health commissioner. “We hope this announcement will reassure our community, partners, funders and our elected officials that the services we provide are as responsive as possible and are meeting the foundational needs of our community.”

The national accreditation program, which receives support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sets standards against which the nation’s governmental public health departments can continuously improve the quality of their services and performance. Standards emphasize Foundational Capabilities and are aligned with the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

More than 80% of the U.S. population now reaps the benefits of being served by a health department that has undergone PHAB’s multi-faceted, peer-reviewed assessment process to ensure it meets a set of quality standards and measures.

"National accreditation through PHAB has benefits that extend far beyond the health department itself," said PHAB President and CEO Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP. "The accreditation process helps health departments identify key areas for improvement, ensuring they provide the highest level of service to their communities. With this accomplishment communities served by accredited health departments can trust that their department is strong, capable and committed to protecting and promoting public health."

Across the nation health departments provide 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.

The Coshocton Public Health District is committed to promoting health and wellness throughout the community by offering a range of essential services. The Adult and Maternal and Child Health Clinic provides immunizations, lab draws, prenatal care, lead testing and more to support families and individuals.

Additional programs such as WIC, Complex Medical Help and the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes car seat initiative further enhance maternal and child health resources. CPHD also offers access to birth and death certificates from anywhere in Ohio.

Through its Environmental Health Program, the department safeguards public health by conducting inspections of water wells, sewage systems, body art establishments and food service providers.

Learn more about the Coshocton Public Health District at www.coshoctoncounty.net/health/ or email coshcohealth@coshoctoncounty.net or call 740-622-1426.