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Public Health Accreditation
What is Public Health Accreditation?
Public Health Accreditation is the measurement of health department performance against a set of nationally recognized, practice-focused, and evidence-based standards.
The goal is to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing the quality and performance of public health departments.
The Westford Health Department is proudly working towards Public Health Accreditation.
What is the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)? Based in Alexandria VA, it is the national organization charged with administering the public health accreditation program. You can learn more about PHAB here: https://phaboard.org/
The Westford Health Department is excited to convene local community partners and organizations for the development of a Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), specifically tailored for the Town of Westford. Developing a CHA and a CHIP is one of the many standards in the accreditation process. See the existing Partnership meeting notes and presentation slides for developing a community CHA and a CHIP.
What are the Benefits of Accreditation?
Accreditation has improved the credibility of the health department within the community or state.
Accreditation has increased the department’s capacity to identify and address health priorities.
Accreditation has improved the capacity to provide high-quality programs and services.
Accreditation stimulated greater collaboration within the health department.
Accreditation has stimulated quality and performance improvement opportunities within the health department.
Accreditation has improved the utilization of resources within the health department.
Accreditation has improved the health department’s competitiveness for funding.
Accreditation has had a positive impact on the health department’s budget.
Westford Health Department Releases Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan
Westford CHA-CHIP 2024
Westford-Health Department 2025-2029-Strategic Plan
Partnership Meeting Notes
Westford Partnership Kick-Off Meeting Notes 9.27.23
First-Westford Partnership Meeting Presentation Slides
Westford Partnership Meeting Notes 10.25.23
Second-Westford Partnership Meeting Presentation-Slides
Westford Partnership Meeting Notes 11.29.23
Third-Westford Partnership Meeting Presentation Slides
Final Westford Partnership Meeting Notes 1.31.24
Final Westford Partnership Meeting Presentation Slides
Research Brief- Strategic Planning Process