FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Pat Walker Health Center at the University of Arkansas has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

“Accreditation of the Pat Walker Health Center affirms our commitment to the highest quality of care for the University of Arkansas community. Accreditation is based on a process of continuous improvement that we live and breathe every day,” said Mary Alice Serafini, assistant vice chancellor for Student Affairs and director of the Pat Walker Health Center.

Status as an accredited organization means the health center has passed a series of rigorous and nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association. More than 2,600 ambulatory health-care organizations across the United States are accredited by the AAAHC.

“To achieve accreditation for another three years is a fantastic accomplishment and a wonderful tribute to our providers and other professionals who are committed to promoting good health and providing excellent health care,” said Dr. Elizabeth Woods, medical chief of staff for the health center.

“We are grateful to students, faculty and staff who assisted us in advisory capacities as well as the leadership of the Division of Student Affairs for the value placed on the health and well-being of each individual in our community,“ Serafini said.

“The new facility, the Pat Walker Health Center, is evidence of the impact of past accreditation reviews, which repeatedly documented the need for a state-of-the-art facility in a location which was accessible to students, faculty and staff, “ said Johnetta Cross Brazzell, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. “With the addition of Pat Walker Health Center and another accreditation, the University of Arkansas makes a strong statement that education and health are a necessary and valued combination for a lifetime of success.” 

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive on-site, peer-based survey of its facilities and services. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation.

Among the types of ambulatory health care organizations that can seek AAAHC accreditation are ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, single and multi-specialty group practices, college health centers, dental group practices, community health centers, occupational health centers and managed care organizations.

  The Pat Walker Health Center provides primary medical care, women's health care, counseling and psychological services as well as health promotion and education services.  Other comprehensive services include an immunization and allergy clinic, a clinical laboratory, x-ray services and a pharmacy.  During the academic year 2005-2006 there were 33,614 medical and mental health care visits to the Pat Walker Health Center, and Health Promotion and Education provided more 740 health related programs with more than 28,000 people attending.