March 23, 2022
Greetings from PHAB
Excitement has been buzzing around PHAB for the past month with the release of Version 2022. Version 2022 has been years in the making, with input gathered from public health partners, health departments and others to ensure it represents public health today while nudging us forward into tomorrow. I hope that you all have the chance to look over the Version 2022 materials and are as thrilled as we are for the updates. 

On the horizon are updates related to Pathways, a recognition program being developed for health departments not yet ready to pursue full accreditation. Stay tuned for more information soon and check out the Pathways webpage for more information. 

-Paul Kuehnert, PHAB President & CEO
Version 2022 Materials Available
PHAB is excited to announce that Version 2022 materials are now available on our website. We appreciate all the feedback that we have received through public vetting, think tanks and expert panels. On the website you will find:
  • Standards & Measures for both initial accreditation and reaccreditation
  • Policy documents
  • FAQ
  • Updated fee schedule
  • Crosswalks between Version 2022 and the previous version
  • Briefs about equity, governance and the Foundational Capabilities
Stay tuned to the website for additional resources coming soon, including documentation forms, an updated glossary, and information on the new Readiness Assessment.
CDC Grant Opportunity for Public Health Infrastructure
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a grant opportunity for $3 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act for public health infrastructure. The funding is intended to strengthen public health capacity and systems related to workforce, foundational capabilities, data modernization, and more. The grant submission period is estimated to open April 14, 2022.
Foundational Public Health Services 2022 Refresh
The Public Health National Center for Innovations (PHNCI) at PHAB, in collaboration with the Funders Forum on Accountable Health at George Washington University, recently refreshed the Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS). The FPHS framework outlines the unique responsibilities of governmental public health and can be used to explain its viral role in a thriving community. The framework has been used by states in their public health transformation efforts by helping identify capacity and resource gaps, determining the cost for assuring foundational activities, and justifying funding needs. The framework also highlights equity as critical in ensuring community health and well-being. Version 2022 of the Standards & Measures aligns with the refreshed FPHS framework.
Recent Accreditation Activity
On March 17, 2022 twenty-one public health departments achieved accreditation or reaccreditation status, after completion of a systematic review process against national standards. These health departments demonstrated their commitment to accountability and performance improvement.
Innovation Highlight: Sensory-Friendly COVID-19 Vax Clinic
Barry Eaton District Health Department (MI, BEDHD) offered several sensory-friendly COVID-19 vaccination clinics. The clinics offered private areas for vaccination, fidget toys, staff trained in interacting with persons with disabilities, and other accommodations