This press release put out at the request of the Alachua County Health Department.
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - As local health departments nationwide strive to protect the public from new and infectious diseases, bioterrorism, natural disasters, and other public health threats, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has recognized the Alachua County Health Department (ACHD) for its ability to respond to public health emergencies.
The Alachua County Health Department met the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“This recognition is greatly appreciated and reflects this Department’s commitment to addressing the public health needs of our community.” stated Jean Munden, Administrator of the ACHD. “We will continue to improve our capabilities and work with community partners in responding to emergencies.”
“NACCHO commends Alachua County Health Department for being a model of public health emergency preparedness,” said Robert Pestronk, Executive Director of NACCHO. “The public health system is making great strides thanks to the good work of leaders in local public health preparedness such as the Alachua County Health Department.”
Local health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a thorough evaluation process by peer review. PPHR required the Alachua County Health Department to meet expectations in public health preparedness in three key areas: preparedness planning; workforce competency; and demonstration of all-hazards readiness through exercises or a response to a real event. The recognition confirms that the Alachua County Health Department has an emergency response plan in place, the plan is connected to other jurisdictional emergency response plans, agency staff members are trained, and the plan is exercised and used during public health emergencies.
The mission of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) is to be a leader, partner, catalyst, and voice for local health departments in order to ensure the conditions that promote health and equity, combat disease, and improve the quality and length of all lives.
For more information on all Project Public Health Ready recognized sites and project tools and resources, go to http://www.naccho.org/topics/emergency/pphr.cfm.
For more information, visit http://www.alachuacountyhealth.com/, or call Paul Myers, Assistant Director, Alachua County Health Department at 352-334-8892.
The goal of the Alachua County Health Department is to promote, protect, maintain and improve the health and safety of all citizens and visitors.