Achieving and sustaining #publichealth #accreditation is no small feat.
After years of working in local health departments and then for the Public Health Accreditation Board, I saw firsthand the importance of leadership commitment and visibility in accreditation for local health departments.
Dr. Monroe made an important point during yesterday's webinar when she said local health departments should strive for the support of key leaders and decision-makers. I believe her comment goes beyond having only the buy-in of local health department leaders.
To overcome challenges with leadership turnover, outdated systems, and funding constraints, commitment to accreditation needs to come from those who influence the broader public health system - state health officials, state legislatures, and the federal government.
Until accreditation becomes the expectation, like it is for other industries like healthcare and higher education, there will be ongoing struggles for local health departments to become and remain accredited long-term.
#publichealth #accreditation #infrastructure #standards #progress #smallwins
During yesterday's webinar hosted by Public Health Accreditation Board, our President and CEO Dr. Judy Monroe was asked about her participation in Indiana's Governor's Public Health Commission and what advice she would give to local health departments navigating the accreditation process.
Dr. Monroe was joined by Tulsa Health Department's Executive Director Bruce Dart and American Public Health Association's Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin on a panel of experts in public health accreditation.
