Special to the Leader & Times
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces its reaccreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) for the next five years, extending through 2029. This achievement reaffirms KDHE’s dedication to meeting the highest national standards for quality and performance in public health services.
“We are honored to once again be recognized by PHAB for meeting national standards that promote effectiveness and drive continuous quality improvement,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “Our reaccreditation reflects KDHE’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of Kansans and our dedication to transparency and trust in the communities we serve.”
Reaccreditation follows a rigorous, peer-reviewed process to assess KDHE against PHAB's national standards, demonstrating its capacity to evolve, improve and effectively address the health needs of Kansas communities.
PHAB, a nonprofit organization supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), works to advance and transform public health practice through accreditation. Their program sets benchmarks for quality and performance improvement, helping health departments build infrastructure, bolster community engagement and address differences in health among groups of people.
“Achieving reaccreditation is not just a milestone but a reflection of a health department's long-term commitment to innovation and accountability,” PHAB President and CEO Paul Kuehnert, DNP, RN, FAAN, said. “Kansas Department of Health and Environment has proven its dedication to continuous improvement, ensuring Kansans benefit from modern, effective public health services.”
KDHE first achieved PHAB accreditation in 2017 and has regularly prioritized programs that improve community health, enhance quality management and deepen public engagement. Moving forward, the agency will focus on sustainability efforts, including regular assessments, training and fostering ongoing dialogue with communities through focus groups and public health projects.
“KDHE’s reaccreditation was made possible through the hard work and collaborative efforts of our team and our many partners across the state,” KDHE Deputy Secretary for Public Health Ashley Goss said. “By continuing to identify and address the health challenges faced by so many in our state, we are making the strides necessary for a healthier Kansas.”
To learn more about KDHE’s public health initiatives and this important milestone, visit KDHE’s State Health Assessment and Improvement Plan Web site.
About PHAB
The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) is the national accrediting body for public health departments, supported by the CDC and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. PHAB sets rigorous standards to ensure health departments are equipped to serve their communities effectively, emphasizing continuous improvement and innovation. For more information, visit the PHAB Web site.
