 For more information, please contact:
Emely Melendez, Population Health Community Coordinator, emely.melendez1@vdh.virginia.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 26, 2024
THE PRINCE WILLIAM HEALTH DISTRICT ACHIEVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
Prince William, VA – The Prince William Health District (PWHD) has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. Prince William Health District demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prince William Health District joins a cohort of more than 550 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region.
“We are proud to have been recognized by Project Public Health Ready, and we remain dedicated to improving our ability to respond to any public health crisis quickly and effectively – this recognition underscores the Prince William Health District's commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of all members of our community,” said Dr. Olugbenga Obasanjo, Acting Health Director of Prince William Health District.
PPHR recognition confirms that PWHD has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place and that staff have the training to protect the health of the community during an emergency. Local health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a rigorous evaluation by peer review to assess their ability to meet a set of national standards for public health preparedness. These standards align with federal government requirements and other national best practices.
PPHR recognition also requires health departments to collaborate with their state, local, and community partners to develop plans that account for all the constituents in their jurisdictions. The PWHD collaborates with critical healthcare and community partners to ensure the health of the community is included in all emergency planning.
“Public health preparedness planning, response, and recovery begins at the local level. Local health departments play an essential role in creating healthy, resilient communities that can respond to and recover from disasters.” said Lori T. Freeman, Chief Executive Officer. “NACCHO commends Prince William Health District for being a model of public health emergency preparedness.”
NACCHO, the voice of the nearly 3,000 local health departments across the country, provides resources to help local health department leaders develop public health policies and programs to ensure that communities have access to vital programs and services that people need to keep them protected from disease and disaster. Its mission is to be a leader, partner, catalyst, and voice for local health departments in order to ensure the conditions that promote health and equity, combat disease, and improve the quality and length of all lives.
The Prince William Health District is dedicated to promoting optimum wellness and a healthy environment. For more information visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/prince-william/
For more information on Project Public Health Ready, including recognized sites, project tools, and resources, visit http://www.naccho.org/PPHR.
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