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SAULT STE. MARIE - The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Health Center, Michigan - UP

accredited the Sault Tribe's Health Division after a team of commissioners conducted an extensive on-site survey of tribal health facilities April 9 to the 11th.

JCAHO members found the Tribe's Health Division demonstrated outstanding compliance with the Commission's national standards for ambulatory care organizations. Commission members visited six of the seven Tribal Health Division sites and facilities during their comprehensive review.

Linda Murphy-Knoll, vice president of JCAHO's Accreditation Operations in Minnesota, said the Tribe's Health Division was evaluated against a set of national standards by JCAHO team members experienced in the delivery of ambulatory healthcare services.

"Achieving accreditation demonstrates the Sault Tribal Health Division's commitment to high-quality care to its patients," Knoll said.

Bill Robinson, Director or Operations for the Tribal Health Division said JCAHO accreditation means the Tribe's health division was evaluated against national standards of excellence. "We view obtaining Joint Commission accreditation as another step toward excellence and providing the best care possible," Robinson said.

Robinson said tribal health staff was supported the process. "It gives them a feeling of prestige and pride to work in an accredited organization," Robinson said. Staff also appreciated the educational aspect and challenges of the survey and the opportunity to interact with Commission surveyors."

JCAHO is dedicated to improving the quality of the nation's healthcare delivery systems through voluntary accreditation. The Tribe's Health Division employs about 200 healthcare providers and annually serves more then 9,000 patients each year across the eastern Upper Peninsula.

Contact: Bill Robinson, Director Operations, (906) 632-5200, Sault Tribal Health Division, 2864 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie.