CVHD picked for testing program

Central Valley Health District announced Monday it was selected by the Public Health Accreditation Board to participate in a test of the new national voluntary public health accreditation program.

As one of 30 public health agencies selected from more than 145 applicants, Central Valley Health will work through the accreditation process and will provide valuable feedback that will inform the voluntary accreditation program’s national launch in 2011.

Central Valley Health will receive technical assistance for accreditation and quality improvement, funding to support quality improvement projects, and funding and to cover the costs of providing detailed feedback to PHAB, The beta test will begin in the fall of 2009 and conclude at the end of 2010. The National Association of County and City Health Officials will provide technical assistance to the Central Valley Health.

“We are pleased to be part of this ground breaking program,” said Robin Iszler, Central Valley Health administrator. “We recognize that this is a unique opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of our services and also showcase the high quality programs and services provided by Central Valley Health. We are proud to have a hand in shaping the national accreditation program and advancing the quality of public health.”

While there are standards for hospitals, schools, law enforcement agencies and even daycare centers, there has not previously been a nationally-recognized set of standards for public health departments.

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