SOU Health and Wellness Center Achieves AAAHC Accreditation

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For Immediate Release
May 20, 2014
For more information contact:
Laura Robin, DO
Student Health & Wellness Center at Southern Oregon University
541-552-6137
robinl@sou.edu
The SOU Student Health and Wellness Center in Ashland, OR Achieves AAAHC Accreditation
[Ashland, Oregon] The Student Health and Wellness Center at Southern Oregon University has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation distinguishes this integrated medical/mental health university health center from many other outpatient facilities by providing the highest quality of care to its clients and patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation.
Status as an accredited organization means the SOU Student Health and Wellness Center has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health and mental health care set by AAAHC. More than 5,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous on-site survey process are granted accreditation.
“We believe our patients and clients deserve the best,” stated Laura Robin, Medical Director of the Student Health and Wellness Center. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means we as an organization care enough about our patients to strive for the highest level of care possible.”
Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by AAAHC expert surveyors – physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.
“Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our clients and patients, and it is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to strive to continuously improve the quality of care we provide,” said Robin.
The mission of the Student Health and Wellness Center is to promote the optimal health and well-being of students through quality educational, primary medical care, mental health and health promotion services. These services are confidential, convenient and economical and delivered in a setting and manner that facilitates the healing and learning process that recognizes the unique needs of students and is supportive of their academic success at SOU.  Our caring and dedicated staff of doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, nurses, health educator, medical assistant, lab/dispensary tech, and administrative and support staff strive to provide quality medical and mental health care to the thousands of students we see annually.
The Student Health and Wellness Center is located between Indiana St and Cox Hall above Siskiyou Blvd; more information about us and our services can be found at: www.sou.edu/health or by calling, 541-552-6137.
About The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
Founded in 1979, is the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation with more than 5,000 organizations accredited nationwide. AAAHC  accredits a variety of organizations including, ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery centers, endoscopy centers, student health centers, military health care clinics, and large medical and dental practices. AAAHC serves as an advocate for the provision of high-quality health care through the development of nationally recognized standards and through its survey and accreditation programs. AAAHC accreditation is recognized as a symbol of quality by third-party payers, medical organizations, liability insurance companies, state and federal agencies and the public.
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power, and it is the first university in the nation to balance 100% of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.
 

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