The Student Health Services at the Moffitt Health Center at The University of Southern Mississippi has received reaccreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. This recognition highlights the center’s commitment to providing high-quality patient care and maintaining professional standards.
The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care is one of the main accrediting organizations for outpatient health care facilities in the United States. It evaluates medical centers to ensure they meet standards for patient care, safety and business practices. Facilities must undergo regular on-site evaluations by health care professionals, usually every three years, to confirm they continue to meet the organization’s national benchmarks.
For the leaders at Moffitt Health Center, reaccreditation emphasizes the dedication of its staff and their commitment to serving the university community.
“Achieving reaccreditation requires meeting strict standards for quality of care and business practice. It shows our dedication to maintaining those standards,” Melissa Roberst, executive director of the Moffitt Health Center, said. “I’m proud of our team and its strong commitment to excellence, innovation and the health and success of every Golden Eagle.”
Student Health Services at Southern Miss has supported students for decades. The program began in the 1950s when the university was known as Mississippi Southern College. In the 1960s, the facility, then called the Beedie Smith Clinic, opened and hired its first physician director. At that time, the clinic mostly served as an infirmary for students needing short-term medical care.
In 1992, the health center shifted to an ambulatory care model, focusing on outpatient medical services for students. Since then, it has expanded its services and staff to meet the changing health needs of the campus community.
The center first received accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care in 2002 and has maintained this distinction for over 20 years.
University leaders say the ongoing accreditation shows strong leadership and a team committed to student health and well-being.
“We’re very pleased, and not surprised, to see Moffitt Health Center earn continued accreditation. This reflects the leadership of Dr. Roberts and the efforts of her dedicated staff,” said Sirena Cantrell, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
Today, the Moffitt Health Center is one of only two university health centers in Mississippi with this accreditation. The facility offers a range of medical services through a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, laboratory and X-ray staff, pharmacy professionals and administrative personnel. They work together to support the health and academic success of Southern Miss students.
