PORT ANGELES —The Lower Elwha Health Department has received full accreditation by the national Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
“We believe our patients deserve the best,” said Frances G. Charles, Lower Elwha Klallam tribal chairwoman.
“When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures.
“It means we, as an organization, care enough about our patients to strive for the highest level of care possible.”
More than 6,000 outpatient health care organizations across the nation are accredited by the group.
To be accredited, organizations complete an self-assessment and an on-site survey by physicians, nurses and administrators.
“Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to strive to continuously improve the quality of care we provide,” Charles said.
Variety of services
The Lower Elwha Health Department, which has 85 employees, offers medical, dental, chemical dependency and mental health services in addition to community health, wellness and emergency preparedness and management programs.
The Lower Elwha Family Health Clinic and Lower Elwha Dental Clinic are at 243511 U.S. Highway 101 in west Port Angeles.
Klallam Counseling Services at 933 E. First St. in Port Angeles offers intensive outpatient chemical dependency treatment, relapse prevention and other services.
Clinics serve both Natives and non-Natives.