SCHD was one of nineteen health departments that achieved national public health reaccreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board on August 28, 2025. This achievement is recognized as a commitment to advancing quality, accountability, and improved outcomes for the Scott County community. SCHD was initially accredited in November 2018.

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 drives internal improvement and creates pathways for long-term transformation and innovation.

Departments earning Reaccreditation demonstrate a sustained focus on performance improvement and community-centered practice. Every five years, departments undergo another review to maintain their accreditation status and ensure continued alignment with national expectations and evolving public health priorities.

“We are grateful for the recognition by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) of our commitment to performance improvement and enhanced services to our community. Our staff bring their passion, knowledge, and commitment to our community each day and this recognition highlights the role they play in making Scott County Health Department a high performing department in service to our community,” said Amy Thoreson, Health Director.

SCHD joins a growing network of nearly 450 accredited health departments nationwide, including the following in Iowa: Black Hawk, Cerro Gordo, Johnson, and Linn Counties, Siouxland District Health Department (Woodbury County), Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the Iowa Bureau of Health Statistics.