HCC Earns Re-accreditation From JCAHO
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Health Center, Inc. has received official notice from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) that it has been re-accredited.
Holyoke Health Center is the only community health center in Western Massachusetts that is JCAHO accredited and one of the few in the state. Holyoke Health Center was first accredited by JCAHO in February, 2002. JCAHO accreditation, although not required by law of health centers, is widely viewed as the most important external endorsement that a healthcare organization can obtain.
The two day visit by JCAHO surveyors in February included an examination of all health center policies and procedures, participation in patient/provider visits, and intensive meetings and interviews with staff.
In addition to receiving the good news about its re-accreditation, Holyoke Health Center learned that Reception Coordinator Marisol Morales had been selected for the Outstanding Massachusetts Community Health Center Employee Award for 2005 by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers.
The Mass League oversees the state’s 53 community health centers. Morales has been employed at the Holyoke Health Center since 1996. She trains and oversees staff on front desk functions and is responsible for maintaining schedules of the 20 physicians and nurse practitioners. HHC Executive Director Jay Breines said, “Marisol’s positive attitude is contagious. She channels her energy into creating positive change that results in improved service for our patients. She sets high standards for her staff and works hard to ensure that our patients’ needs are met and that they are treated in a respectful manner.”
Marisol was given her award at a recent ceremony in Boston.
Another HHC employee, Jeanette Rodriguez, also received acclaim for her work as a ‘Community Champion.’ The Latino Scholarship Association presented her with an award for her tireless work in the community as a leader in health education. Jeanette is the Promotora coordinator for the health center’s Diabetes Program and runs a breast cancer support group for Latina Women.
