Sep. 25—NORWALK — The Culture of Quality program has been developed by the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) and its member boards to improve the quality of the statutorily mandated functions of county boards administering local alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services for Ohioans. The Culture of Quality is designed to promote community confidence and Boards' public support through increased accountability.

The Culture of Quality Certification process transforms Ohio's behavioral health system by promoting a more efficient, effective, consistent, and accountable county board system. The program is based upon a continuous quality improvement model that promotes the use of quality practices in the administration of county boards.

The Culture of Quality Initiative is an evolutionary process that continuously looks for ways to advance Ohio's behavioral health system to a system of excellence. The objectives of the program establish benchmarks while recognizing the existence of varying approaches for achieving a "Culture of Quality." The review process has three focus areas that combined have a total of 140 standards to comply with. The focus areas that evaluated are below:

—Establish Statewide Board Standards ... One hundred and forty-two standards developed after careful review of pertinent Federal and State laws, rules and regulations, or identified as quality practices within the system.

—Implement a Peer Certification Process... A voluntary process, conducted by Peers and association staff, that verifies a Boards conformance with the Culture of Quality Statewide Board Standards.

—Identify and create Resources... To provide information and to assist with conformance to the Statewide Board Standards.

During the certification process, local boards can receive a 1-year to 3-year certification, based on the number of standards they are following. Previously in 2017, Huron County Board of Mental Health & Addiction Services received a 1-year certification. The MHAS Board participated again in the Culture of Quality Certification process in the fall of 2021 and received their 3-year certification.

Representatives from OACBHA and a member board visited the MHAS office over a two-day period to interview staff, providers, and evaluate Board operations.

"During the closing conference, Ms. Fonda Freeman, the state board's designated surveyor, stated 'the board they met with over the past two days is not the same Board the met with in 2017,'" said Kristen Cardone, MHAS executive director. "They were very impressed with all the progress that has been made and impressed with how much the board has been able to accomplish with only two staff.

"They pointed out that the Board is not only in compliance with all that is required of them by the Ohio Revised Code, but that the Board repeatedly goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the community as evidenced by the creation of Ms. Morrow's position and the board's numerous initiatives and community engagement efforts.

"This certification is a reflection of the growth and accomplishments that have been achieved over the last few years. MHAS is committed to following the standards set forth by the state so that the Board can help ensure the highest quality mental health and substance use services are available to the residents in Huron County. The MHAS Board is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and for the work that continues to take place through staff, board members, contracted providers and community partners to make recovery possible."