(WASHINGTON, DC) — DC Health announced today that the Vital Records Division (DCVRD) has been awarded national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), recognizing the Division’s commitment to meeting national standards for quality, performance and continuous improvement in vital records and health statistics services. PHAB added the Vital Records/Health Statistics (VRHS) Accreditation Program to its public health accreditation portfolio in 2018. DC Health Vital Records is one of only six vital records or health statistics units nationally to achieve PHAB accreditation among 58 eligible jurisdictions.
“We are so proud to have our Vital Records Division recognized for meeting rigorous national standards and demonstrating a commitment to continuous quality improvement,” said Dr. Ayanna Bennett, DC Health Director. “Every day, our team provides services that are essential to District residents, while also ensuring that vital records and health data are accurately maintained and protected. This accreditation reinforces our commitment to providing responsive, high-quality services to our community and using quality data to improve public health programs and services.”
Vital records may not always be top of mind when people think about public health, but they are fundamental to the health and well-being of communities. Vital records professionals file, protect and preserve birth and death certificates and other official records. The information collected through these records supports population statistics, health research, program planning and the development of effective public health policies and services.
"The impact of PHAB accreditation extends beyond the physical walls of a health department," said PHAB President and CEO Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP. "For communities served by accredited VRHS units, accreditation ensures that data and critical information are managed with care and used to guide essential public health services."
DCVRD serves nearly 70,000 customers each year, including those who access services through VitalChek, and issues more than 100,000 certificates annually. On average, the Division supports between 100 and 200 customers each day with a dedicated team of 17 employees. Together, they help ensure that those who experience these critical life events in the District have reliable access to essential vital records and high-quality customer service. For more information about DC Health’s Vital Record Division, visit dchealth.dc.gov/vital-records