WSSU’s student health center achieves AAAHC Accreditation
The Winston-Salem State University A.H. Ray Wellness Center has been accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation distinguishes the WSSU student health center from many other outpatient facilities through its adherence to rigorous standards of care and safety.
Status as an accredited organization means the A.H. Ray Wellness Center has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC. 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.
While the onsite survey, which was conducted in September, is an important component of the process, ongoing compliance and continuous improvement are part of the accreditation maintenance mindset that a facility integrates into its daily activities.
The accredited units of the A.H. Ray Wellness Center are student health, counseling services, pharmacy services and health education, said WSSU’s Candice Jackson, assistant vice chancellor of student affairs for health and well-being. All four are part of the health and well-being portfolio, along with services for students with disabilities, university recreation, and health and well-being case management.
“This accreditation is meaningful because it demonstrates and reinforces our commitment at WSSU to providing safe, high-quality health care through the adoption of nationally recognized standards,” Jackson said. “By prioritizing quality improvement throughout the entire 1,095-day term, we are demonstrating a commitment to best practices and the health and well-being of our students.”
AAAHC was founded in 1979 and is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditations. The accreditation cycle is 1,095 days (three years) and throughout this time, the providers at WSSU make a commitment to ongoing compliance, driven by comprehensive AAAHC standards, Jackson said.
The WSSU A.H. Ray Student Health Center was first accredited in 2009 and was the first HBCU in the state at that time to accomplish it. The health center provides quality primary care in a confidential setting. Services include outpatient medical care, general physicals, wellness exams, pap testing, contraceptive consultation, health education, HIV testing, STI testing and treatment, immunizations and allergy injections, medication management, laboratory services, testing for respiratory illnesses, minor injuries/strains, and smoking/vaping cessation counseling.
Currently, more than 6,700 ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery facilities, endoscopy centers, student health centers, medical and dental group practices, community health centers, and Tribal health centers are accredited through AAAHC.
About AAAHC: Founded in 1979, AAAHC is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation, with more than 6,700 organizations accredited. It accredits a wide range of outpatient settings, including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery facilities, endoscopy centers, student health centers, medical and dental group practices, community health centers, employer-based health clinics, retail clinics, and Indian/Tribal health centers, among others. AAAHC advocates for the provision of high-quality health care through the development and adoption of nationally recognized standards. For more information on AAAHC, please visit www.aaahc.org.
