Collaborative models supporting advancement in local health department accreditation readiness

National, voluntary public health department accreditation seeks to advance quality and performance within health departments to ensure delivery of quality public health services and thus laying the foundation for improved population health. As local health departments (LHDs) prepare for accreditation, they are increasingly recognizing the value of support and sharing from peers and other public health agencies familiar with accreditation.   Across the US, different and innovative collaborative models that contribute to advancing accreditation readiness, and improving population health, are emerging and are being replicated elsewhere. This session will describe and provide specific examples of these collaborative models, including the following: formal and informal peer mentorship or networking between local health department staff; two or more LHDs working together to complete community health assessments and improvement plans; and other public health agencies or affiliates (public health institutes, state health departments, academic institutions, and State Associations of County and City Health Officials) providing accreditation-related technical assistance or other support to constituent LHDs. Benefits and lessons learned will also be shared with the audience.  By leading or participating in these collaborative models, LHDs and other public health agencies can approach improving population health through a more cohesive lens, and thus increasing the impact than any one agency may have alone.