Oswego County Health Department Earns National Accreditation

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department announces it has been awarded national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)! This honor demonstrates Oswego County’s commitment to excellence in serving the community and meeting foundational needs.

“The Oswego County Health Department goes above and beyond to improve our resident’s well-being by providing essential services and protecting them against public health threats,” said Oswego County Legislator Paul House, District 8, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature’s Health Committee. “This accomplishment reflects the department’s dedication to maintaining a healthy, thriving community for all and confirms that the people of Oswego County are in good hands.”

Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor said the department is proud to be recognized by PHAB.

“We have met the national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement,” she said. “Ensuring our services are proficient and meet the needs of our community is among our top priorities, and we will continue to uphold the standards of excellence that earned us this accreditation.”

The national accreditation program is a rigorous, multi-faceted, peer-reviewed assessment process to ensure that health departments meet a set of quality standards and measures. It emphasizes foundational capabilities and provides a means for health departments to build capacity in key public health areas.

Jodi Martin, deputy public health director for the Oswego County Health Department, said, “National accreditation shows our commitment to improving services, being accountable to our community and delivering high-quality public health programs. It strengthens our staff, prepares us for emergencies and helps ensure every resident has a safer, healthier future.”

Established in 2007, PHAB is the non-profit organization that administers the national accreditation program which aims to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure and innovation.

“National accreditation through PHAB has benefits that extend far beyond the health department itself,” said PHAB President and CEO Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “The accreditation process helps health departments identify key areas for improvement, ensuring they provide the highest level of service to their communities. With this recognition, communities served by accredited health departments can trust that their department is strong, capable and committed to protecting and promoting public health.”

Often called the “backbone” of the public health system, local health departments are on the front line of communities’ efforts to protect and promote health and prevent disease and injury.

The Oswego County Health Department provides services aimed at promoting healthy behaviors; preventing disease and injuries; ensuring access to safe food, water and clean air; providing life-saving immunizations; as well as preparing for, and responding to, public health emergencies.

For more information about the Oswego County Health Department and its services, call 315-349-3545 or visit https://health.oswegocountyny.gov/.

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