Division of Public Health receives national accreditation

Designation indicates an ongoing commitment to high quality service and performance

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Public Health is now nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), state health officials announced today. Wisconsin’s Division is now among only 200 health departments (out of 3,000) to achieve this level of quality. Hospitals, day care centers, schools, and universities have long seen the value of accreditation, and now a similar designation is in place for public health departments at a national level.

“The accreditation process helps ensure our programs and services are responsive to the needs of our community,” said Secretary Linda Seemeyer. “By seeking and achieving this accreditation milestone, we are demonstrating to Wisconsin residents, as well as our partner organizations, that we are forward-thinking and committed to the highest level of quality in the public health services we provide, as we seek to help everyone live their best life.”

The national accreditation program, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sets standards public health departments use to measure and improve their services. To achieve accreditation, health departments go through a rigorous peer-reviewed assessment process.

“Accreditation is a national seal of approval that says we are dedicated to protecting and promoting the health and safety of people in our state,” said Karen McKeown, state health officer and DPH administrator. “By maintaining high quality services and performance, we will most effectively meet the public health needs of those we serve.”

Public health departments play a critical role in protecting and improving the health of people and communities, providing a range of services aimed at promoting healthy behaviors; preventing diseases and injuries; ensuring access to safe food and water, clean air, and life-saving immunizations; and preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.