Liza Thalken, Central District Health Department Accreditation Coordinator (left) and Health Department Director Teresa Anderson told the Grand Island City Council March 24 that the Health Department has received national accreditation. (Carol Bryant, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – The Central District Health Department has joined an elite group by getting national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board.
Central District Health Department Director Teresa Anderson told the Grand Island City Council March 24 that only 13 to 14 percent of health departments nationwide get the accreditation.
Anderson and Liza Thalken, Health Department Accreditation Coordinator, gave a short report to the City Council March 24.
These are some highlights from the accreditation report:
*CDHD staff and programs embrace the diversity of their community and “respectfully serve all” to the best of their ability.
*CDHD’s top strengths include “communication, data collection and analysis” and addressing “health inequities.”
*CDHD is “high performing” and staff are trusted stewards of public health resources.
*They serve as a “trusted hub” in the community.
The report noted that the Health Department “is creative, innovative, and resilient in the face of a challenging environment” capable of rising to meet barriers, and dedicated to finding ways to serve their population in the best ways they can.
Next, they gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Project (RHTP).
The Health Department has the potential for $1,872,584 in the first year of the grant program. So far, the notice of the awards received is $380,333.
Priorities are Make Rural America Healthy Again, Sustainable Access and Navigation, Workforce Development, Innovative Care, Tech Innovation, and Nebraska Kids Fitness and Nutrition Day.
The Health Department has received notice of intent to award:
*Strategic National Stockpile, $233,000.
*Oral Health programs, $147,333.
Applications in progress are:
*Community-based nutrition and physical activity, up to $100,000.
*Community Health Worker Networks, $992,251.
*Chronic Disease Management, $400,000.
Anderson, whose initial retirement date is set for May, was praised by City Council member Chuck Haase. He thanked Anderson for her dedication and leadership and said he has served on the Health Department’s board for 12 years.
“She works tirelessly,” Haase said.
“I think what you’re doing is so important,” City Council member Mark Stelk said.
