The Sandhills Center has announced that it has been awarded national accreditation for the following programs: Health Network, Health Utilization Management and Health Call Center from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry.

“We are pleased to have achieved URAC Accreditation for these important functions,” said Victoria Whitt, Chief Executive Officer of Sandhills Center.

“By applying for and receiving Health Network, Health Utilization Management and Health Call Center Accreditation, Sandhills Center has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care,” said Alan P. Spielman, URAC president and CEO. “Quality health care is crucial to our nation’s welfare and it is important to organizations that are willing to measure themselves against national standards.”

Sandhills Center is a “Local Management Entity” of the NC Department of Health and Human Services in matters related to mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse. Based in West End, it serves the people of eight counties: Anson, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph and Richmond.

Within its service area, Sandhills Center is charged with assuring the availability of appropriate community-based, publicly-funded services for mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse.

It contracts with numerous providers of services and employs licensed clinical staff to conduct behavioral health screening assessments, triage and referral via telephone in a manner that is timely and confidential.

The Utilization Management Program employs qualified clinical staff that oversees the utilization review process ensuring that decisions are based on clinical criteria.

URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is a leader in promoting health care quality through accreditation and certification programs. URAC’s standards keep pace with the rapid changes in health care systems and provide a mark of distinction for health care organizations to demonstrate their commitment to quality and accountability.

For more information about Sandhills Center, contact Victoria Whitt, CEO, at 910-673-9111 or visit www.sandhillscenter.org.