TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama’s Russell Student Health Center (RSHC) has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

Status as an accredited organization means the Russell Student Health Center has passed a series of rigorous and nationally recognized standards set by the AAAHC for the provision of quality health care. More than 1,300 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by the AAAHC.

“Accreditation underscores our long-standing commitment to providing the highest possible levels of quality care to the students of The University of Alabama,” said Beverly Kellen, RSHC assistant director. “We are pleased and proud to have our efforts recognized with this accreditation.”

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by 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 and university health services; dental group practices; community health centers, occupational health centers and managed care organizations.

The Russell Student Health Center has been accredited by the AAAHC since 1995 and is one of only two health centers in the state to achieve this designation.