Health Division scores big on state accreditation

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) publicly acknowledged the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) at the recent Board of Commissioners General Government Committee meeting for its outstanding performance on its intensive state accreditation review. Jean Chabut, deputy director of MDCH's Public Health Administration and Mark Miller, director of MDCH's Local Health Services, gave Oakland County "accreditation with commendation" for meeting all 117 essential requirements by the State of Michigan. "Oakland County creates a standard that many of our health departments should emulate," Chabut said. The accreditation review ensured Oakland County meets the minimum mandates required by state funded contracts in programs such as vision and hearing testing; vaccinations; communicable disease control; sexually transmitted diseases; HIV/AIDS; food service; and on-site sewage treatment management, among others. "Congratulations to our Health Division team for a job well done," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. "Not only are they consummate professionals, but they are always looking for ways to improve services." During the review, a team of evaluators from various state departments inspected files; assessed paper and electronic records; interviewed Health Division supervisors, chiefs and administrators; and evaluated Health Division staff in the field. Not only did Oakland County meet all 117 essential factors in the accreditation review, but also five important factors. In addition, it received zero "Not Mets." Special recognition from the state was given in every section of the review. "These results reflect the hard work that Health Division staff members do every day to ensure that our residents receive quality service," said Kathy Forzley, OCHD manager/health officer. The OCHD's state accreditation will last through 2014. In her closing remarks, Chabut also praised Oakland County for its unique response to the synthetic marijuana issue. "We commend the county executive, the Sheriff's Department, the commissioners, and the Health Division on their very early, and effective, response to synthetic marijuana in the Oakland County. Your management is exemplary," she said. Published: Wed, Jun 27, 2012