Background: Public health accreditation is positioned as a powerful driver of performance and quality improvement, accountability, and community impact. This presentation explores how accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) strengthens health departments by advancing key Foundational Capabilities, including Assessment & Planning, Communications, Policy Development & Support, and Organizational Competencies. Through real-world examples, attendees will gain insight into how accreditation fosters a culture of continuous quality improvement, enhances cross-sector partnerships, and supports data-driven decision-making.
In addition to accreditation, the presentation will introduce PHAB’s broader suite of services and resources that support agencies at all stages. From exploring resources to strengthen Foundational Capabilities, to assessing accreditation readiness, to maintaining accreditation status, to embedding continuous quality improvement efforts throughout daily operations, attendees will gain insight to the many benefits of being PHAB accredited.
methods: In alignment with Colorado’s Core Public Health Services, this session will highlight how departments aligned with PHAB’s standards are better equipped for Communicable Disease Control, Chronic Disease Prevention, and Emergency Preparedness. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of accreditation in embedding health equity in public health programming.
implications: Aligned with the conference theme, Stronger Together: Public Health in the Heart of the Rockies, this session emphasizes benefit of collaboration between local health departments across the State of Colorado through Partnership and Resource Sharing and benefits of Accreditation.
