The Wake County Public Health Department has received reaccreditation with honors from the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation Board, meeting all 147 accreditation standards. This marks the highest level of recognition available and demonstrates the department’s adherence to strict public health requirements.
The North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation (NCLHDA) program assesses local health departments on criteria such as governance, leadership, workforce development, community engagement, and quality improvement. Achieving “accreditation with honors” is reserved for departments that fully comply with every standard.
“This recognition reflects the trust residents can place in our Public Health Department and highlights the vital role public health plays in keeping Wake County a safe and healthy place to live,” said Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters. “This is something our entire community can be proud of.”
Staff across various roles contributed to this achievement by ensuring programs met required standards, documenting compliance procedures, guiding preparation efforts, and maintaining operational support.
“I could not be prouder of our team. Meeting all 147 standards reflects the dedication, expertise and compassion our staff bring to Wake County every single day,” said Wake County Director of Public Health Rebecca Kaufman. “This recognition belongs to each member of our department, and it shows the incredible impact we can make when we work together to serve our community.”
North Carolina became the first state in 2005 to require its local health departments to earn accreditation. The process involves a self-assessment by the agency, an on-site review by a peer team, and a final decision by an independent board made up of public health officials and other representatives.
The NC Local Health Department Accreditation Program is managed by the North Carolina Institute for Public Health at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health in partnership with the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors.
