Local health dept. earns national awards

SANDUSKY — The Erie County Health Department/Erie County Community Health Center recently announced that it has received several distinct National Community Health Quality Recognition awards from the Health Resources and Services Administration for its outstanding achievements in quality improvement and patient care. This marks the second year in a row that the health department/community health center has been recognized with the highly coveted National Quality Leader Gold Status. These annual administration awards acknowledge health center programs around the country that have demonstrated exceptional performance in various areas, including access, clinical quality, health outcomes and health information technology, based on data from the Uniform Data System reporting. "These awards are a validation of our patient-first philosophy and our team's hard work in delivering comprehensive, high-quality and accessible health care," said Joe Palmucci, CEO of the local health agency. "Our focus on areas, like diabetes management and preventive health directly, impacts the well-being of our community, and we are incredibly proud of these achievements." What are the awards? Here's a more in-depth look at all the recent awards earned by the Erie County entity: • National Quality Leader Gold Status This is the highest recognition for overall clinical quality performance, placing the health department/community health center in the top 10% of all health centers nationwide. The health department/community health center is one of only five Federally Qualified Health Centers in Ohio and 136 nationwide to achieve this elite status, signifying exceptional performance across a broad range of clinical quality measures. This consistent recognition underscores the department's/agency's sustained commitment to delivering superior care. • National Quality Leader — Preventive Health This award recognizes health centers that excel in providing preventive care services, placing the health department/community health center among only 116 recognized health centers. It highlights the health department's/community health center's proactive approach to health, emphasizing screenings, immunizations and wellness programs that help prevent disease and promote long-term health for the community. • National Quality Leader — High Value Care This is awarded to health centers demonstrating high-quality, cost-efficient care delivery, placing the health department/community health center among only 146 recognized health centers. This award underscores the health department's/community health center's commitment to delivering excellent health outcomes while also ensuring efficient use of health care resources. • National Quality Leader — Diabetes This is awarded to health centers that meet or exceed national benchmarks for diabetes care. This recognition places the health department/community health center among only 187 health centers nationwide. It signifies Erie County's excellence in managing diabetes, helping patients achieve better health outcomes through comprehensive care, education and support. • National Quality Leader — Health IT This recognition acknowledges the health department's/community health center's successful optimization of health information technology services. It signifies the center's effective use of electronic health records, telehealth services and electronic clinical information exchange to enhance patient engagement and improve care coordination. • Additionally, the health department/community health center has achieved recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for the second consecutive year. This model is a team-based approach to care that uses communication and technology to enhance patient care and lower costs. This recognition demonstrates the health department's/community health center's commitment to continuous quality improvement and its patient-centered philosophy. "Receiving these awards, especially the National Quality Leader Gold for the second year, is a profound testament to the dedication and expertise of every single person at the Erie County Community Health Center," Erie County health commissioner Pete Schade said. "It reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care and our commitment to being a true leader in community health, not just in Ohio, but across the nation." Maintaining the mission The Erie County Health Department/Erie County Community Health Center remains dedicated to its mission of improving the health and well-being of all individuals and families in Erie County through integrated and compassionate care, using a vast network of stakeholders while collaborating with others to improve quality of life indicators. With these awards, the Erie County Health Department and Erie County Community Health Center continue to exhibit why it is the only true, comprehensive service delivery provider for coordinated medical, dental, mental/behavioral health and addiction services in the region. The Erie County Health Department's mission is to promote and improve the health and safety of the communities and environment within Erie County while preventing disease through essential public health services. The health department, headquartered at 420 Superior St., Sandusky, operates various facilities in the area. This would include the following in Sandusky: the Erie County Community Health Center, the Erie County Detox Center, the Kaptur-Rogowski House and Compass Point. People can visit eriecohealthohio.com and/or call 419-626-5623 for more information and to learn about various services offered.