MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., Dec. 1, 2025 — The Livingston County Department of Health (LCDOH) is proud to announce it has successfully completed a review process to maintain national accreditation status through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). In maintaining its accreditation status for another five years, LCDOH has demonstrated that it meets PHAB’s strict quality standards and measures and has the capacity to continue improving the health of the residents of Livingston County.
In 2013, the County’s Health Department became the first in New York state to achieve accreditation through PHAB after undergoing a rigorous, multifaceted, peer-reviewed assessment process. At the time, it was one of only nine county health departments nationwide to earn the distinction. This reaccreditation goes a step further by demonstrating that the LCDOH has the ability to become increasingly effective at improving community health. LCDOH is one of just 18 accredited public health departments throughout the state.
“We are grateful to have the efforts and expertise of our public health staff recognized at the national level,” said Public Health Director Jennifer Rodriguez. “This achievement shows we meet the highest standards for public health practice and will continue providing the residents of Livingston County with programs and services that meet the needs of our community.”
Initial accreditation evaluates departments against a comprehensive set of evidence-informed standards that span all core public health functions, from chronic disease prevention to health equity initiatives and emergency preparedness. The process is intended to drive internal improvement and create pathways for long-term transformation and innovation. Departments earning reaccreditation demonstrate a sustained focus on performance improvement and community-centered practice. Every five years, they undergo another review to maintain their accreditation status and ensure continued alignment with national expectations and evolving public health priorities. PHAB is the nation’s sole accrediting body for governmental public health departments.
"We are pleased to see the Livingston County Health Department, along with many others, successfully maintaining their five-year PHAB accreditation," said PHAB President and CEO Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. "This demonstrates that accreditation is not just a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment to excellence. By maintaining accreditation, these health departments reaffirm their dedication to continuous improvement and community health."
More than 20 members of the LCDOH contributed to the reaccreditation effort. Beginning in early 2022, the department completed extensive preparation work, which included documenting its performance, demonstrating alignment with national public health standards, and showing how its programs and services meet evolving community needs. Staff gathered evidence, identified examples of best practices, and outlined priorities to illustrate how the department continues to improve, advance, and fulfill all PHAB reaccreditation measures.
Public health departments play an important role in protecting and improving the health of people and communities. In cities, counties and states across the nation, health departments provide a wide range of services aimed at promoting healthy behaviors; preventing diseases and injuries; ensuring access to safe food, water, clean air and life-saving immunizations; and preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.
The Livingston County Department of Health provides services and coordinates activities that span the life cycle. The department works with the community to offer health protection, disease prevention and health promotion to create a healthier community in which residents can work, live and play. To learn more about the Livingston County Department of Health and its programs and services, visit https://www.livingstoncountyny.gov/172/Department-of-Health.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.