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. 

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

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 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.