Director's Welcome
Douglas M. Kent, M.P.H., Administrator/COO
It’s good to look back on 2007!! Great achievements were made and all the staff should reflect on the huge part they played in our successes. First on our agenda in 2007 was to become JCAHO accredited; obtaining Gold standard so that other private medical partners and the community can understand that we are trying create an atmosphere of QUALITY. The JCAHO audit conducted in November of 2007 revealed 11 requirements for improvement; only ten are allowed for full accreditation. An appeal was submitted and through hard work and much restructuring of processes, the gold standard was accomplished by the end of the year. Meeting JCAHO’s high standards has positioned us to tackle Public Health Accreditation in the near future. This achievement puts us at Number 1 by attaining accreditation before any other small CHD. But it’s no surprise...the staff of the St. Joseph Care of FL, Inc. / Gulf County Health Department has always reached for the best for their clients and community.
Besides JCAHO accreditation, we managed to complete our new Wewahitchka Clinic with nearly 10,000 sq. ft. of much needed space. What a beautiful building for a community that is growing and becoming the bedroom community of the south end of the county, since development has exploded. From the old 1950’s era building we expanded services for Public Health, dental, primary care, WIC and Behavioral Health. Also, we are working on contracts to expand by outside collaborative for Orthopedic, x-rays and a hospital diversion program in cooperation with Sacred Heart Health System, a full time physician for public health and the community, and a full time dental program.
We have realized for the first time in our community the possibility of 100% access for primary care services and dental regardless of the ability to pay. This goal was from our 1997 strategic plan; now to accomplish the zero disparity!