UMD News

Director of Public Relations:
Susan Beasy Latto, slatto@d.umn.edu
315 Darland Administration Bldg.
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 726-8830 Cell: (218) 348-5688
Fax: (218) 726-7413

February 3, 2003

Contact:
Susan Beasy Latto, Director of Public Relations 218 726-8830
Joyleen Vicki Schneider, Administrative Director, UMD Health Services 218 726 8299

UMD Health Services has been awarded the certificate of accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The award was announced today by J. Vicki Schneider, Administrative Director.

Status as an accredited organization means UMD Health Services has passed a series of rigorous, nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by the AAAHC.

"We are proud to have bee re-accredited. This is our fourth three-year accreditation the longest period of time that an organization can be accredited by the AAAHC," said Schneider. "Our priority is always to deliver quality, cost-effective health care to our patients."

To earn re-accreditation, UMD Health Services underwent an extensive on-site survey of its facility and services. The surveyors, physicians from the University of Wyoming and the University of Florida, evaluated all aspects of UMD's patient care. The survey findings resulted in a favorable decision.

The AAAHC president stated, "The dedication and effort necessary to achieve accreditation is substantial. UMD Health Services is to be commended for this accomplishment."

Over 1,300 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by the AAAHC. The types of ambulatory health care organizations that may seek AAAHC accreditation include single and multi-specialty group practices, ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, college and university health services, dental group practices, community health centers, occupational health centers, and managed care organizations. AAAHC is a private, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization.

UMD Health Services provides medical services, counseling, and health education to students during convenient hours. Their mission is to provide UMD students with the opportunity to develop healthy personal lifestyles, and to contribute to the overall excellence of their educational experience.