On June 21, 2013 Appalachian District Health Department was awarded reaccreditation status by the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation Board. Accreditation is a rigorous process that examines a series of standards outlined in the current state statutes and administrative codes to ensure quality public health services are being provided to the community.
The reaccreditation process includes a review of benchmarks linked to the three core functions for public health including assessment, assurance, and policy development as well as the ten essential services of public health as detailed in the National Public Health Performance Standards Program. The program is comprised of three major components: an agency self-assessment, which includes 41 benchmarks and 148 activities; a three-day site visit by a multidisciplinary team of public health peer volunteers; and final determination of accreditation status by the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation Board.
Appalachian District Health Department achieved reaccreditation status by appropriately meeting a set of capacity-based benchmarks as evidenced by documented completion of prescribed activities. Benchmarks of required services and activities may be met by either direct provision or assurance through contracts, memoranda of understanding, or other arrangements within the community.
The NC Local Health Department accreditation program process is adjudicated by an independent entity, the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation Board. Its members are appointed by NC DHHS Secretary. The Accreditation Administrator within North Carolina Institute for Public Health serves by legislative mandate.
For more information contact Erica Mann, RN, BSN, Accreditation Coordinator at 828-264-4995 or visit the NC Local Health Department Accreditation website at http://nciph.sph.unc.edu/accred/
