Health & Wellness Earns 8th National Accreditation

UNH Health & Wellness has been awarded national accreditation for the eighth consecutive time by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

Status as an accredited organization means UNH Health & Wellness has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of the highest quality of care to its patients and clients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation. More than 6,600 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation, and not all that undergo the rigorous on-site survey process are granted accreditation. The accreditation runs for three years.

"I am so proud of our organization," said Kathleen Grace-Bishop, director of education and promotion and interim senior director of Health & Wellness. "Receiving full accreditation speaks to the amazing staff at Health & Wellness and their commitment to providing high quality care and services to the UNH community each and every day. It is not just what our staff does but who they are as individuals and as a team that allowed us to achieve this goal once again."

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking AAAHC accreditation undergo an extensive self-assessment and onsite survey by AAAHC expert surveyors - physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory care. The survey is peer-based and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.

Organizations are eligible for AAAHC accreditation if they provide medical or diagnostic services in settings where overnight stays are not required, including college and university health centers, group medical and dental practices and community health centers.

"Student well-being is an integral part of student success at UNH," said Kenneth Holmes, dean of students. "This was especially necessary during the pandemic. The continued AAAHC accreditation of Health & Wellness is a testament to the dedicated team of health care professionals and their commitment to students and the university."

UNH Health & Wellness averages more than 20,000 visits per year from students, staff and faculty. In support of the university's academic mission, it is committed to promoting, maintaining and improving the health and well-being of the university community. Health & Wellness also has the primary responsibility of addressing public health issues impacting the UNH community. Its staff includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, radiologic technologists, educator/counselors, a registered dietician, pharmacists, licensed massage therapists and administrative staff.

Clinical services for students include primary medical care; sexual and reproductive health; integrative mind-body services including massage therapy, biofeedback and light therapy; and laboratory, radiology and pharmacy services. Within Health & Wellness, Living Well Services offers education, counseling and support on a wide variety of topics. Some of these areas include nutrition; alcohol, nicotine and other drugs; sexuality and sexual well-being; emotional and spiritual health; stress; sleep; and general wellness.