Solano Public Health awarded national accreditation

Solano Public Health has been awarded national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).

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 encourage effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement,” said Bela T. Matyas, Solano County's public health officer, in a press statement. “This effort was a significant undertaking for public health staff, and I am grateful and proud of the work they have put in over the past years to get Solano Public Health national accreditation.

“This award recognizes the work performed by Solano Public Health employees every day.”

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 rigorous, multi-faceted, peer-reviewed assessment process to ensure it meets a set of quality standards and measures.

“The value of becoming nationally accredited through PHAB extends far beyond the walls of the health department,” said PHAB President and CEO Paul Kuehnert in the statement. “People living and working in communities served by these health departments can be assured that their health department is strong and has the capacity to protect and promote their health.

“Just going through the accreditation process itself helps health departments pinpoint the areas that are critical to improving the work they do for their communities.”

Public health departments are on the front lines of communities' efforts to protect and promote health and prevent disease and injury. Across the nation, health departments provide services aimed at promoting healthy behaviors; addressing health equity; 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.

This award recognizes the work performed by Solano Public Health employees every day.