Central District Health Department wins national accreditation, eyes rural health funds

Central District Health Department leaders briefed Hall County commissioners that the department has achieved national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board and is positioning to apply federal rural-health funds to expand services.

Liza Thalkett, the department’s accreditation coordinator, announced, "Oh, we are now a nationally accredited health department," and Theresa Anderson, the health director, described the accreditation as the result of a multi-year effort and a review of programs, infrastructure and partnerships. Staff said the final report highlighted strengths in partner communication, data use, and attention to health inequities.

Anderson and Thalkett outlined plans to pursue Rural Health Transformation Project funding and other grants. They described proposals to expand community health worker networks, add an oral-health registered dental hygienist position, manage strategic stockpile supplies with hospital memoranda of understanding, and improve navigation for behavioral and dental care in rural parts of the district.

Commissioners praised the department’s efforts and asked staff to return with details on grant timing and expected county roles. The health leaders said some grant rounds are due imminently and that projects would emphasize capacity-building and quality improvement rather than supplanting existing local funds.