​​Press Release: Alaska Division of Public Health achieves national accreditation status

March 28, 2024 / ANCHORAGE – The Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Health is proud to announce their initial accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board. This achievement highlights the commitment of Division of Public Health to accountability, transparency and continuous improvement in serving Alaskan communities.

“Attaining this significant recognition underscores our commitment to providing Alaskans with care and services that adhere to the highest standards of public health practices, ensuring Alaska continues to be the best place to raise healthy families,” said Department of Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg.

“The Public Health Accreditation Board accreditation process has been a large-scale, multiyear improvement process in and of itself,” explained Lisa McGuire, MPH, who served as the division’s accreditation coordinator. “This process has given the Alaska Division of Public Health the opportunity to streamline procedures, strengthen communications, and enhance several key aspects of our work.” Achieving accreditation was an objective described in the division’s five-year Strategic Plan 2020-2025.

Public Health Accreditation Board accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of health department policies, practices, and performance against nationally recognized, evidence-based, and peer-driven standards. These standards encompass various areas, such as health promotion, disease prevention, emergency preparedness and community engagement.

“What this means for Alaskans going forward is that this is your division of public health. That it is accountable, that it is certified, and that it is here to serve Alaskans. Your health, your well-being, and your self-sufficiency will be in focus,” said Dr. Anne Zink, Chief Medical Officer.

Accreditation plays a vital role in promoting continuous improvement by holding health departments accountable and transparent. It encourages providing the highest quality care and performance while strengthening the health department’s infrastructure. Accreditation assures the community and other stakeholders that the health department is aligned with national standards and possesses the necessary foundational capabilities to effectively serve their communities.

The Public Health Accreditation Board is a 501(c)(3) organization and the sole national accrediting body for public health in the United States. Public Health Accreditation Board provides support to health departments through various tools and resources, helping to strengthen health department infrastructure, workforce and data modernization efforts to promote public health system transformation. Public Health Accreditation Board accreditation is good for five years, after which reaccreditation is necessary to maintain status.

Press Release: Alaska Division of Public Health achieves national accreditation status