HOUSTON - After completing a systematic evaluation process according to the national criteria, the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) has re-accreditated the Houston Health Department. Besides Houston, the PHAB also accredited 14 other public health departments and one vital records/health statistics (VRHS) unit.
By advocating performance improvement, solid infrastructure, and innovation, PHAB, the intergovernmental and nonprofit organization that runs the national accreditation program, hopes to enhance and revolutionize public health practice.
Health departments are major leaders and drivers of health, well-being, and equity in their communities. Nationally-certified health departments show a consistent and ongoing commitment to building community relationships, thus better serving their communities.
“I am incredibly proud of everyone at the Houston Health Department for securing another five years of accreditation with the Public Health Accreditation Board,” said Stephen L. Williams, director of the Houston Health Department.
“This is an extraordinary accomplishment in the face of a pandemic that’s tested public health workforces everywhere. Despite the challenges associated with responding to COVID-19, our team maintained the standards, performance, and innovation required to be recognized as one of the leading health departments in the country.”
“Public health departments and their special program units like Vital Records and Health Statistics are essential to the health and safety of their communities,” remarked PHAB President and CEO Paul Kuehnert, DNP, RN, FAAN. “Through public health national accreditation, departments are demonstrating loud and clear their firm commitment and drive to protect and promote the community’s health.”
With the community’s help, Houston Health Department continues to strive to protect Houstonians’ health and social well-being and the environment in which they live.