On Nov. 13, 2025, the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) approved the reaccreditation of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. This common indicator of public health success was the culmination of a rigorous review process.
Public health accreditation through PHAB is the measurement of health department performance against a set of nationally recognized standards. Continued accreditation means the Health Department is well prepared to protect and improve the health of all people and places in Pierce County.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is 1 of just 3 local health jurisdictions in Washinton, and among 400 agencies across the country, to meet PHAB’s quality standards for accreditation.
“It’s a great day for the Department,” said Director of Public Health Chantell Harmon Reed. “Maintaining accreditation ensures we are among the best public health departments in the country, and are ready to tackle any emerging health risk, as well as continue to make sure people and communities in Pierce County thrive.”
The Department, which first became PHAB accredited in 2016, will be accredited for an additional 5 years before being required to reapply. PHAB receives support from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and sets performance standards for departments to achieve. Accredited health departments also demonstrate leadership by placing their work for peer review and community feedback.
“We are pleased to see Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, along with many others, successfully maintaining their five-year PHAB accreditation,” said PHAB President and CEO Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP. “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.”
About Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s mission is to protect and improve the health of all people and places in Pierce County. As part of our mission, the Health Department tackles known and emerging health risks through policy, programs, and treatment to protect public health. Learn more at tpchd.org.