SOU Student Health and Wellness Center granted three-year accreditation

NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/vPbi9m)
(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University’s Student Health and Wellness Center has been re-accredited by the largest certifying agency in the U.S. for student health centers and other ambulatory health organizations.
The three-year accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care differentiates SOU’s medical and mental health center from other outpatient facilities by certifying that it meets the criteria for high-quality patient care that is laid out in an independent evaluation process. The SOU Student Health and Wellness Center last received accreditation in 2014.
“We believe our patients and clients deserve the best,” said Anna D’Amato, executive director of the SOU 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.”
The accrediting agency sets nationally recognized standards for quality medical and mental health care, and accredits more than 6,000 ambulatory health care facilities and organizations – from student health centers to ambulatory surgery centers to medical and dental group practices.
Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation, and not all that undergo the rigorous process achieve certification. The process includes an extensive self-assessment and an on-site survey by AAAHC experts – physicians, nurses and others actively involved in ambulatory health care.
The SOU Student Health and Wellness Center’s mission is to promote optimal health and well-being for students through quality educational, primary medical, mental health and health promotion services. The center’s services are confidential, convenient and economical, and facilitates students’ unique healing and learning processes. Its staff of doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, nurses, health educator, medical assistant, lab/dispensary tech and administrative and support staff see thousands of students annually.
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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. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.