Tuscarawas County Health Department Awarded National Accreditation Through the Public Health Accreditation Board
Dover, Ohio — The Tuscarawas County Health Department announced today that it has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The national accreditation program works to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing and ultimately transforming the quality and performance of the nation’s state, local, tribal, and territorial public health departments. The Tuscarawas County Health Department is one of fewer than 300 health departments that have thus far achieved accreditation through PHAB since the organization launched in 2011. However, hundreds of health departments across the country are preparing to seek accreditation through PHAB, the non-profit organization that administers the national public health accreditation program.
“We are pleased and excited to be recognized for achieving national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement,” said Katie Seward, Health Commissioner of the Tuscarawas County Health Department “The accreditation process helps to ensure that the programs and services we provide are as responsive as possible to the needs of our community. With accreditation, Tuscarawas County Health Department is demonstrating increased accountability and credibility to the public, funders, elected officials and partner organizations with whom we work.”
The national accreditation program, jointly supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sets standards against which the nation’s nearly 3,000 governmental public health departments can continuously improve the quality of their services and performance. To receive accreditation, a health department must undergo a rigorous, multi-faceted, peer reviewed assessment process to ensure it meets or exceeds a set of quality standards and measures.
“Whenever you see our seal of accreditation, you will know that Tuscarawas County Health Department has been rigorously examined and meets or exceeds national standards that promote continuous quality improvement for public health,” Seward said. “By continuing to improve our services and performance, we can be sure we are meeting the public health needs of those we serve as effectively as possible.”
Public health departments play a critical role in protecting and improving the health of people and communities. In cities, towns, and states across the nation, health departments provide a range of 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.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department is unique in that it offers a wide variety of non-mandated services in addition to the services required to be offered by the State. Services such as the Alcohol and Addiction Program; Medical Clinic including acute and chronic care, OB-GYN services and well child visits; Project DAWN; WIC program; nuisance/housing and mosquito programs; and many health education initiatives. A full list of services can be found on their website at www.tchdnow.org.
This announcement kicks off the Department’s Public Health Week’s Celebration. “It’s National Public Health Week and we are excited to be celebrating 100 years of public health for TCHD and Ohio”. Additionally, as a way to give back to the community and celebrate TCHD’s 100-year anniversary and newly accredited status the Health Department in partnership with the National Guard and the Ohio Department of health will host a free healthcare weekend at Buckeye Career Center on August 10 and 11. More information about that event can be found at http://www.tchdnow.org/guardcare-2019.html
“The Tuscarawas County Health Department joins the growing ranks of accredited health departments in a strong commitment to their public health mission,” said PHAB President and CEO Kaye Bender, PhD, RN, FAAN. “The peer-review process provides valuable feedback to inform health departments of their strengths and areas for improvement, so that they can better protect and promote the health of the people they serve in their communities. Residents of a community served by a nationally accredited health department can be assured that their health department has demonstrated the capacity to protect and promote the health of that community.”
The national accreditation program was created collaboratively over a 10-year period by hundreds of public health practitioners working at the national, Tribal, state, and local levels. Since the program’s launch in September 2011, hundreds of public health departments have applied to PHAB for accreditation, and hundreds of public health practitioners from across the nation have been trained to serve as volunteer peer site visitors for the program.
“Achieving accreditation indicates that the Tuscarawas County Health Department is dedicated to improving and protecting the health of the community by striving to continuously improve the quality of the services it delivers,” said Ray (Bud) Nicola, MD, MHSA, chair of PHAB’s Board of Directors and affiliate professor at the University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle. “Accreditation also promotes consistency in meeting standards. With an ever-increasing number of health departments now applying for and PHAB Toolkit Document becoming accredited, you will be able to expect to receive the same quality of public health services wherever you go in the United States.”
About the Public Health Accreditation Board
The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), established in 2007, 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. The development of national public health accreditation has involved, and is supported by, public health leaders and practitioners from the national, Tribal, state, and local levels. Learn more about PHAB or sign up for the PHAB e-newsletter by visiting www.phaboard.org.
Dover, Ohio — The Tuscarawas County Health Department announced today that it has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The national accreditation program works to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing and ultimately transforming the quality and performance of the nation’s state, local, tribal, and territorial public health departments. The Tuscarawas County Health Department is one of fewer than 300 health departments that have thus far achieved accreditation through PHAB since the organization launched in 2011. However, hundreds of health departments across the country are preparing to seek accreditation through PHAB, the non-profit organization that administers the national public health accreditation program.
“We are pleased and excited to be recognized for achieving national standards that foster effectiveness and promote continuous quality improvement,” said Katie Seward, Health Commissioner of the Tuscarawas County Health Department “The accreditation process helps to ensure that the programs and services we provide are as responsive as possible to the needs of our community. With accreditation, Tuscarawas County Health Department is demonstrating increased accountability and credibility to the public, funders, elected officials and partner organizations with whom we work.”
The national accreditation program, jointly supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sets standards against which the nation’s nearly 3,000 governmental public health departments can continuously improve the quality of their services and performance. To receive accreditation, a health department must undergo a rigorous, multi-faceted, peer reviewed assessment process to ensure it meets or exceeds a set of quality standards and measures.
“Whenever you see our seal of accreditation, you will know that Tuscarawas County Health Department has been rigorously examined and meets or exceeds national standards that promote continuous quality improvement for public health,” Seward said. “By continuing to improve our services and performance, we can be sure we are meeting the public health needs of those we serve as effectively as possible.”
Public health departments play a critical role in protecting and improving the health of people and communities. In cities, towns, and states across the nation, health departments provide a range of 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.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department is unique in that it offers a wide variety of non-mandated services in addition to the services required to be offered by the State. Services such as the Alcohol and Addiction Program; Medical Clinic including acute and chronic care, OB-GYN services and well child visits; Project DAWN; WIC program; nuisance/housing and mosquito programs; and many health education initiatives. A full list of services can be found on their website at www.tchdnow.org.
This announcement kicks off the Department’s Public Health Week’s Celebration. “It’s National Public Health Week and we are excited to be celebrating 100 years of public health for TCHD and Ohio”. Additionally, as a way to give back to the community and celebrate TCHD’s 100-year anniversary and newly accredited status the Health Department in partnership with the National Guard and the Ohio Department of health will host a free healthcare weekend at Buckeye Career Center on August 10 and 11. More information about that event can be found at http://www.tchdnow.org/guardcare-2019.html
“The Tuscarawas County Health Department joins the growing ranks of accredited health departments in a strong commitment to their public health mission,” said PHAB President and CEO Kaye Bender, PhD, RN, FAAN. “The peer-review process provides valuable feedback to inform health departments of their strengths and areas for improvement, so that they can better protect and promote the health of the people they serve in their communities. Residents of a community served by a nationally accredited health department can be assured that their health department has demonstrated the capacity to protect and promote the health of that community.”
The national accreditation program was created collaboratively over a 10-year period by hundreds of public health practitioners working at the national, Tribal, state, and local levels. Since the program’s launch in September 2011, hundreds of public health departments have applied to PHAB for accreditation, and hundreds of public health practitioners from across the nation have been trained to serve as volunteer peer site visitors for the program.
“Achieving accreditation indicates that the Tuscarawas County Health Department is dedicated to improving and protecting the health of the community by striving to continuously improve the quality of the services it delivers,” said Ray (Bud) Nicola, MD, MHSA, chair of PHAB’s Board of Directors and affiliate professor at the University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle. “Accreditation also promotes consistency in meeting standards. With an ever-increasing number of health departments now applying for and PHAB Toolkit Document becoming accredited, you will be able to expect to receive the same quality of public health services wherever you go in the United States.”
About the Public Health Accreditation Board
The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), established in 2007, 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. The development of national public health accreditation has involved, and is supported by, public health leaders and practitioners from the national, Tribal, state, and local levels. Learn more about PHAB or sign up for the PHAB e-newsletter by visiting www.phaboard.org.
Upcoming Events
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Mission Statement: The Tuscarawas County Health Department is dedicated to promoting healthy choices, preventing disease, protecting the environment for all persons who live, work and play in our community. Vision Statement: Tuscarawas County Health Department envisions a community where all dimensions of health and wellness are met and children and adults alike are provided with a clean and healthy environment. |
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Tuscarawas County General Health District AdministrationKatie Seward MPH, CHES, CTTS; Health Commissioner
Daniel Blumer D.O.; Medical Director Andrea Dominick LPCC-S, LICDC; Director of Alcohol and Addiction Program; Director of Health Education & Grants Derrick Jenkins; LCDC III; Assistant Director of Alcohol and Addiction Program Caroline Terakedis RS; Director of Environmental Loretta Pinchek; Director of Medical Records Amy Kaser RN; Director of Nursing Valerie Wilson MS, RD, LD, CLC; Director of WIC |
Tuscarawas County Board of Health Members
Reginald Stockert, President
Jeri Middaugh, Vice-President Tweed Vorhees Andrea Fanti, Phd., Ed.D Michael Cochran Rebecca Mastin, RN Dr. Jose Martinez The Board of Health meets the third Wednesday of each month at 3:00pm at the Tuscarawas County Health Department, public welcome. |
ANNOUNCEMENT:
We are pleased to announce that Trinity Hospital Twin City is offering lab services at the Tuscarawas County Health Department, beginning on Tuesday, January 15th. The lab is open to the public on Tuesdays from 8am-12:15pm and 12:45pm- 4pm and Thursdays from 9am-12:15pm and 12:45pm-4pm. A physician order and insurance information are needed in order for lab work to be drawn. For more information call 330-343-5555 ext. 100
"From the Heart... A Life Worth Saving"
Public Records Policy
It is the policy of the Tuscarawas County Health Department (TCHD) that openness leads to a better informed citizenry, which leads to better government and better public policy.
This office, in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, defines records as including the following: Any document- paper, electronic (including, but not limited to, e-mail), or other format- that is created or received by, or comes under the jurisdiction of a public office that documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. All records of the Tuscarawas County Health Department are public unless they are exempt from disclosure under the Ohio Revised Code.
Each request for public records should be evaluated for a response using the following guidelines:
Although no specific language is required to make a request, the requester must at least identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the public office to identify, retrieve, and review the records. If it is not clear what records are being sought, TCHD must contact the requester for clarification, and should assist the requester in revising the request by informing the requester of the manner in which the office keeps its records.
The requester does not have to put a records request in writing, and does not have to provide his or her identity or the intended use of the requested public record. It is this office's general policy that this information is not to be requested. However, TCHD may ask for a written request and may ask for the requester's identity and/or intended use of the information requested if (1) it would benefit the requester by helping the public office identify, locate or deliver the records being sought, and (2) the requestor is informed that a written request and the requester's identity and intended use of the information requested are not required.
Public records are to be available for inspection from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday during regular business hours, with the exception of published holidays. Public records must be made available for inspection promptly. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time. "Prompt" and "reasonable" take into account the volume of records requested; the proximity of the location where the records are stored; and the necessity for any
legal review of the records requested.
Routine requests for records should be satisfied immediately if feasible to do so. If fewer than 20 pages of copies are requested or if the records are readily available in an electronic format that can be e-mailed or downloaded easily, these should be made as quickly as the equipment allows.
All requests for public records must be acknowledged in writing by the public office within three business days following the office's receipt of the request. If a request is voluminous or will require research, the acknowledgement must include the following:
– An estimated number of business days it will take to satisfy the request.
– An estimated cost if copies are requested.
– Any items within the request that may be exempt from disclosure.
Any denial of public records requested must include an explanation, including legal authority. If portions of a record are public and portions are exempt, the exempt portions are to be redacted and the rest released. If there are redactions, each redaction must be accompanied by a supporting explanation, including legal authority.
Those seeking public records will be charged only the actual cost of making copies.
The charge for paper copies is $.10 cents per page or the amount required by law. There is no charge for documents e-mailed.
Requesters may ask that documents be mailed to them. They will be charged the actual cost of postage and mailing supplies, in addition to the charges set under the costs for public records section.
Documents in electronic mail format are records as defined by the Ohio Revised Code when their content relates to the business of the office.
Failure to respond to a public record request
TCHD recognizes the legal and non-legal consequences of failure to properly respond to a public records request.
You may place your request in person at our office, located at 897 East Iron Avenue Dover, Ohio 44622. You may also submit a request by email to director@tchdnow.org or by calling (330) 343-4928 or you may mail a request to:
Tuscarawas County Health Department
Attn: Health Commissioner
897 East Iron Avenue
Dover, Ohio 44622
Revised: 10/16/2018
This office, in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, defines records as including the following: Any document- paper, electronic (including, but not limited to, e-mail), or other format- that is created or received by, or comes under the jurisdiction of a public office that documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. All records of the Tuscarawas County Health Department are public unless they are exempt from disclosure under the Ohio Revised Code.
Each request for public records should be evaluated for a response using the following guidelines:
Although no specific language is required to make a request, the requester must at least identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the public office to identify, retrieve, and review the records. If it is not clear what records are being sought, TCHD must contact the requester for clarification, and should assist the requester in revising the request by informing the requester of the manner in which the office keeps its records.
The requester does not have to put a records request in writing, and does not have to provide his or her identity or the intended use of the requested public record. It is this office's general policy that this information is not to be requested. However, TCHD may ask for a written request and may ask for the requester's identity and/or intended use of the information requested if (1) it would benefit the requester by helping the public office identify, locate or deliver the records being sought, and (2) the requestor is informed that a written request and the requester's identity and intended use of the information requested are not required.
Public records are to be available for inspection from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday during regular business hours, with the exception of published holidays. Public records must be made available for inspection promptly. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time. "Prompt" and "reasonable" take into account the volume of records requested; the proximity of the location where the records are stored; and the necessity for any
legal review of the records requested.
Routine requests for records should be satisfied immediately if feasible to do so. If fewer than 20 pages of copies are requested or if the records are readily available in an electronic format that can be e-mailed or downloaded easily, these should be made as quickly as the equipment allows.
All requests for public records must be acknowledged in writing by the public office within three business days following the office's receipt of the request. If a request is voluminous or will require research, the acknowledgement must include the following:
– An estimated number of business days it will take to satisfy the request.
– An estimated cost if copies are requested.
– Any items within the request that may be exempt from disclosure.
Any denial of public records requested must include an explanation, including legal authority. If portions of a record are public and portions are exempt, the exempt portions are to be redacted and the rest released. If there are redactions, each redaction must be accompanied by a supporting explanation, including legal authority.
Those seeking public records will be charged only the actual cost of making copies.
The charge for paper copies is $.10 cents per page or the amount required by law. There is no charge for documents e-mailed.
Requesters may ask that documents be mailed to them. They will be charged the actual cost of postage and mailing supplies, in addition to the charges set under the costs for public records section.
Documents in electronic mail format are records as defined by the Ohio Revised Code when their content relates to the business of the office.
Failure to respond to a public record request
TCHD recognizes the legal and non-legal consequences of failure to properly respond to a public records request.
You may place your request in person at our office, located at 897 East Iron Avenue Dover, Ohio 44622. You may also submit a request by email to director@tchdnow.org or by calling (330) 343-4928 or you may mail a request to:
Tuscarawas County Health Department
Attn: Health Commissioner
897 East Iron Avenue
Dover, Ohio 44622
Revised: 10/16/2018
Useful Websites
Tuscarawas County Health Department (TCHD) is located at 897 East Iron Avenue Dover, Ohio 44622
(330) 343-5555 or 1-800-860-8302
To report a public health emergency after hours please call (330) 343-5555 and listen to the prompts.
(330) 343-5555 or 1-800-860-8302
To report a public health emergency after hours please call (330) 343-5555 and listen to the prompts.