IMPACT DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTER AWARDED ACCREDITATION FROM JOINT COMMISSION

Los Angeles, California: Since 1982 Principles, Inc., DBA Impact Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Pasadena has achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Formed in 1951, the Joint Commission is dedicated to improving the quality of the nation's health care through voluntary accreditation. The Joint Commission's onsite survey of Impact Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center occurred in March.

"In becoming accredited Impact Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center was evaluated against a set of national standards by a Joint Commission Survey Team experienced in the delivery of behavioral health care services," say Mary Cesare-Murphy, Ph.D., Executive Director, Behavioral Health Care Program, Joint Commission. "Achieving accreditation demonstrates Impact's commitment to provide high quality care to its patients."

James Stillwell, Executive Director, Impact Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, says that accreditation shows that "We make a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down. We seek accreditation for our organization because we want it to be the best and we view obtaining Joint Commission accreditation as another step toward excellence."

He notes that accreditation is attainable only through cooperation and communication among staff members. "Everyone at Impact plays a vital role in working to meet the standards. I think it gives them a feeling of prestige to work in an accredited organization," says Stillwell. "They also appreciate the educational aspect of the survey and the opportunity to interact with the Joint Commission Survey Team.