Somerset County Department of Health Awarded National Accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): Somerset County Department of Health announced it has been awarded national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).

“PHAB accreditation confirms that the Somerset County Department of Health meets nationally recognized standards for delivering essential public health services,” said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson, liaison to Public Health and Safety. “This is an important achievement for our community because it verifies that the department’s systems, policies, and foundational capabilities have been independently evaluated and meet rigorous national criteria. It reflects a strong and reliable public health infrastructure that our County residents can trust.”

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.

“We are so pleased to be recognized by PHAB for achieving national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement," said Himanshi Bhatt, Somerset County Director and Health Officer, Somerset County Department of Health. “We hope this announcement will reassure our community, partners, funders, and our elected officials that the services we provide are as responsive as possible and are meeting the foundational needs of our community.”

The national accreditation program, which receives support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sets standards against which the nation’s governmental public health departments can continuously improve the quality of their services and performance. Standards emphasize Foundational Capabilities and are aligned with the ten Essential Public Health Services.

"National accreditation through PHAB has benefits that extend far beyond the health department itself," said PHAB President and CEO Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP. "The accreditation process helps health departments identify key areas for improvement, ensuring they provide the highest level of service to their communities. With this accomplishment, 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, public health departments are on the front lines of communities’ efforts to protect and promote health and prevent disease and injury. Across the nation, health departments provide services aimed at promoting healthy behaviors; preventing diseases and injuries; ensuring access to safe food, water, clean air, and life-saving immunizations; and preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.

To learn more about Somerset County, register for free email alerts at somersetcountynj.gov/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

About the Somerset County Department of Health

The Somerset County Department of Health's (SCDOH) mission is to promote, protect, and enhance the health of our community through public health leadership, proactive planning and partnerships, and the advancement of public health services with health equity. The SCDOH serves as the health department for Bedminster, Bound Brook, Far Hills, Franklin, Manville, Middlesex Borough, North Plainfield, Raritan, Somerville, and South Bound Brook. Learn more about the Somerset County Department of Health: https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/public-health-safety/health-department

About the Public Health Accreditation Board

The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) was created to serve as the national public health accrediting body and is jointly funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Vital Records/Health Statistics accreditation is funded, in part, by the National Center for Health Statistics. The development of national public health department accreditation has involved, and is supported by, public health leaders and practitioners from the national, state, local, Tribal, and territorial levels. For more information, contact PHAB Communications at communications@phaboard.org. Learn more about PHAB and accreditation at www.phaboard.org.

More News from Raritan

• Robert M. Sinnott, Jr., 53, a former chief of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company in Toms River Agreement waives higher health benefits contributions in 2027 for State employees and launches a joint effort to make benefits more affordable and sustainable.
• AG: Former Fire Chief, Police Officer in Ocean County Indicted on Additional Charges After Allegedly Subjecting Subordinates to Non-Consensual Sex Acts Robert M. Sinnott, Jr., 53, a former chief of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company in Toms River.