New Releases 
Site Visits Underway!
Six fall site visits are complete! As we pilot partially-remote site visits and implement HDSAI Interpretation Document 2022 changes, we are grateful for our Fall 2022 health departments for the feedback they are providing along the way.
Equity in Accreditation
Both our Equity in Accreditation: Summary of Discussions and our Equity Action Items for FY 2022-2023 are now posted under Strategic Direction on our website.
Accreditation in Action
We hope to see you at NCPHA!
Amy and Margaret are excited to hold in-person AAC 101 in Wilmington on Monday prior to the conference, and then Amy will be sharing updates on NCLHDA at the FAMI section on Wednesday, September 14 at 3:00. We hope to see some of you there in-person!
Dashboard Overview – Check!
More than 30 accreditation team members across the state received training on the dashboard during the August 31 Dashboard Webinar. Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend! We will update the online recording during the week of September 12.
Activities 30.9 and Activity 30.10: Tobacco Policies
As counties respond to the new Medicaid requirement to have tobacco free grounds, we wanted to send a reminder regarding the overlapping accreditation requirements. Health departments must have a tobacco-free facilities policy to satisfy Activity 30.9. To satisfy Activity 30.10, health departments must specifically have a policy that includes prohibiting tobacco use within 50 feet of all department facilities OR must demonstrate that the health department submitted a request for tobacco-free grounds to BOH, county commissioners, or the property owner. As always, please consult the HDSAI Interpretation Document for complete guidance.
Equity Related Resources
As we communicate accreditation updates through monthly highlights, we also have an opportunity to share existing resources that can help support equity related accreditation activities, including accessible training opportunities. Please email us if you have resources you would like to share in this space!
Resources for Collaboration and Power Sharing
Human Impact Partners released resources for collaboration and power sharing between government agencies and community power-building organizations in June 2022. These resources may provide some inspiration as health departments address Benchmark 11: Understanding Community Needs and Benchmark 12: Addressing Community Needs.
Key Dates
Monday, September 12: Accreditation 101: New AAC Training, 12:30-5:00 pm
In-person in Wilmington at the New Hanover County Health Department. Registration is closed.
Friday, September 23: NCLHDA Board Meeting, 9:30-11:30 am
Virtual. The meeting is open to the public. Email NCLHDaccreditation@unc.edu for log-in information.
Wednesday, October 5: Office Hours, 9:30-10:30 am
Virtual. There is no cost to attend; however, registration is required. Register.
Interested in exploring all upcoming events? Check out our Calendar page online!
Tips and Tricks for Accreditation Success: Stories from the Field
Using available accessibility assessment resources for Activity 30.2!
Lauren Howard, the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health Director, is excited that many local health departments are reaching out to schedule on-site accessibility assessments. As requested, she will visit your health department, complete an assessment, and provide a written action plan with identified barriers and suggestions/resources for improvement. If you haven’t already, she encourages you to reach out to schedule an on-site assessment. She can be reached at Lauren.Howard@dhhs.nc.gov, 919-906-5256.
We want to hear from you
Share your tips and tricks for accreditation success with other local health departments across the state. If you have a tip or trick that you would like to share, send a summary – no more than 500 words – including the activity addressed and any lessons learned. Please send your submission to NCLHDaccreditation@unc.edu. Stories will be shared via these monthly highlights.