The Hamilton Township Division of Health is proud to announce it has earned national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) — a major achievement that recognizes the Division’s commitment to providing high-quality public health services to the community.
To put this achievement in perspective: New Jersey has 565 municipalities served by 103 local health departments. The Hamilton Township Division of Health is proud to now stand alongside the New Jersey Department of Health, and just six other local health departments in the state that have earned this distinction. Additionally, Hamilton is the largest non-county health department in New Jersey to receive this distinction. Nationally, there are only 454 accredited health departments across state, local, county, and tribal levels out of over 3,300 department nationwide.
“Achieving PHAB accreditation reaffirms our commitment to deliver essential public health services, protect against health threats, and improve the wellbeing for everyone who lives, works, and plays in Hamilton.” Said Kathleen Fitzgerald, RN, BSN, CALA, CDP, Director of Health. “It also reflects the dedication of our staff, the strength of our partnerships, and our commitment to building a healthier Hamilton.”
PHAB specifically mentions the Division’s strong community partnerships, abilities to assess population health needs, ensuring equitable access to public health services, and a strong workforce that meets the needs of the community and are recognized throughout the state as leaders in public health. Hamilton Township residents can have confidence in knowing the Division is using evidence-based practices, bringing outside voices to the table, and continuously working to meet the evolving health needs of the community.
Mayor Jeff Martin said the recognition reflects the dedication of the people behind the scenes. “Our Division of Health staff has shown our community incredible commitment. They have gone above and beyond, not only during emergencies, but every day,” said Martin. “This accomplishment confirms what I have known - that Hamilton residents are in good hands. I couldn’t be prouder of our health team.”
Continuous quality improvement is at the heart of PHAB accreditation, and the Hamilton Township Division of Health is committed to making it an ongoing practice. Accreditation is not the end of the journey but a framework for continual growth and improvement. By ensuring that programs, services, and outcomes are regularly evaluated and strengthened, it drives innovation, accountability, and responsiveness, so that as community needs evolve, the Division remains well-positioned to deliver the highest standard of public health services. For Hamilton residents, it means confidence that their Division of Health is not only meeting today’s challenges but actively preparing for tomorrow’s.
“PHAB accreditation does more than recognize quality — it pushes health departments to grow and get even better,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP, President and CEO of PHAB. “This accomplishment means the people of Hamilton Township can feel confident their health department is well-equipped, forward-thinking, and focused on protecting their health every day.”
PHAB, a nonprofit organization established in 2007, oversees the national accreditation program for public health departments across the country. Its mission is to strengthen public health by encouraging performance improvement, innovation, and a strong infrastructure. Earning PHAB accreditation means the Hamilton Township Division of Health meets rigorous national standards and is focused on continuous improvement in how it serves residents.
PHAB’s accreditation process is known for being thorough and peer-reviewed, setting a high bar for public health departments across the U.S. Backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the program focuses on Foundational Capabilities and aligns with the 10 Essential Public Health Services — the framework for what every health department should be doing to keep communities safe and healthy.
“This achievement is both a recognition of our work and a promise for the future,” said Chris Hellwig, Health Officer. “We hope this assures our residents, partners, and local leaders that the services we provide are not only responsive but rooted in best practices and designed to meet the core needs of our community.”
To learn more about the Hamilton Township Division of Health and its services, visit www.HamiltonNJ.com/Health. To learn more about the PHAB accreditation process, please visit www.phaboard.org.