Accreditation
National Public Health Accreditation
In August 2019, Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS-PH) joined numerous local public health departments across the nation in achieving national accreditation. This milestone reflected a commitment to two primary goals:
- Improving agency quality and performance.
- Ensuring accountability to governing bodies, policymakers, and the communities we serve.
The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) establishes national standards to ensure consistent quality in public health services across states, counties, and regions. Accreditation promotes strategic investments in community health, demonstrates transparency and accountability to residents and elected officials, and fosters innovation as public health departments collaborate to meet local needs.
National public health accreditation, launched in 2011 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, remains a voluntary but rigorous process.
Riverside County’s Board of Supervisors authorized the department to begin the accreditation process in September 2014. By October 2015, RUHS-Public Health submitted its official application to PHAB, along with documentation demonstrating proficiency across hundreds of measures spanning 12 (now 10) domains rooted in the Ten Essential Services of Public Health.
RUHS-Public Health was awarded full accreditation in August 2019, valid through 2024. To continue building on this achievement, the department submitted its reaccreditation application to PHAB in March 2025 and is actively engaged in the process to maintain its accredited status.
Together, we are working to advance the health and well-being of Riverside County residents through accountable, high-quality public health services.
Core Activities:
The Riverside County Community Health Assessment (CHA) and the first version of the 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) are now publicly available. These foundational documents provide a comprehensive overview of the health status, priorities, and needs of Riverside County residents.
The CHA highlights key data on health outcomes, behaviors, and social determinants of health, while the CHIP outlines strategic goals and collaborative efforts aimed at improving community health over the coming years.
To explore the CHA, CHIP, and access up-to-date health metrics and planning resources, please visit SHAPE Riverside County, the county’s public health data and planning platform. Together, these tools support informed decision-making, promote transparency, and help drive coordinated action to create a healthier Riverside County for all.
Additional Resources