Wake County Public Health has earned accreditation with honors from the North Carolina Local Health Department Accreditation Board (NCLHDA). The department met all 147 accreditation standards, according the Wake County.
The NCLHDA evaluates local health departments on governance, workforce development, community engagement, and quality improvement. Earning accreditation with honors shows that Wake County Public Health met high standards in all these areas. In an official announcement, Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters said, “This recognition reflects the trust residents can place in our Public Health Department and highlights the vital role public health plays in keeping Wake County a safe and healthy place to live.”
Waters said the achievement is “something our entire community can be proud of,” highlighting the work of the department’s teams, as per the official announcement. Rebecca Kaufman, Wake County Director of Public Health stated, “Meeting all 147 standards reflects the dedication, expertise and compassion our staff bring to Wake County every single day.” She credited the team’s combined effort for the recognition.
North Carolina established mandatory local health department accreditation in 2005 and continues to oversee the process. The process includes a self-assessment, a peer review during a site visit, and a final decision by an independent board. This accreditation highlights Wake County’s ability to provide high-quality public health services to the community.
Wake County Public Health is planning a major expansion. In February 2026, it will move to a new 154,000-square-foot public health center to better serve the county’s growing population. This move will strengthen the department’s role as a leader in public health and demonstrate its commitment to ongoing improvement. More information about the transition is available on their website.
