East Shore District Health Department Celebrates National Public Health​ Accreditation With Pizza Party

BRANFORD, CT — East Shore District Health is celebrating its national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board.

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.

Its celebration is set for Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Apizza Abatè at The Lodge in East Haven at Silver Sands.

"We are so pleased to be recognized by PHAB for achieving national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement. 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," said ESDH’s Health Director, Michael Pascucilla.

East Shore is only one of five health departments in the state to receive accreditation.

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 10 Essential Public Health Services.

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.

ESDH’s programming includes all inspections and licensure for food establishments, public pools, motels, hotels, beauty salons, barbershops and others. The community health division provides nursing services such as vaccinations, travel vaccinations, wellness clinics, and health education programming throughout the community. ESDHD also has a very successful maternal child health program for new mothers and families.