February 26, 2004
Health service earns re-accreditation
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Student Health Programs has won national re-accreditation for the fourth consecutive time.
The Wilmette-based Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care put its stamp of approval on SIUC's program after an extensive on-site, peer-based survey of facilities and services.
The association accredits more than 1,300 ambulatory health-care organizations across the country, including ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, single and multi-specialty group practices; college and university health services; dental group practices; community health centers; occupational health centers; and managed care organizations.
As an accredited organization, that means we've passed a series of tests that are based on nationally recognized standards for the provision of health care," said Cheryl A. Presley, director of Student Health Programs. "It really underscores our long-standing commitment to providing the highest possible levels of health care to the communities we serve."
The accreditation is good for three years.
This is a pretty big deal, since they do a really extensive look into your quality of care," Presley added. "Getting this accreditation really demands a high level of dedication and effort on the part of the staff."
Student Health Programs has a staff of 144 people.
Enhancing student health-care services is among the goals of Southern@150, the long-range plan for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.