Student Health Center Receives AAAHC Acreditation
Fairfield University’s Student Health Center has been awarded accreditation through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Care (AAAHC), distinguishing it from other outpatient facilities through adherence to rigorous standards of care and safety.

“The Student Health Center has aspired to achieve AAAHC accreditation for quite some time. We were able to work collectively as a team to meet the very detailed accreditation standards. Considering the accreditation vetting process has a particular focus on the quality of health care provided, each incoming class of students and their families should feel confident that Fairfield students will receive excellent health care provided by clinicians with expertise in college health,” said director of the Student Health Center Julia Duffy, MS, APRN, FNP-BC.

A leader in ambulatory health care accreditation, the AAAHC develops and adopts nationally recognized standards to ensure high-quality health care. Currently, more than 6,700 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. These include ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery facilities, endoscopy centers, student health centers, medical and dental group practices, community health centers, employer-based health clinics, retail clinics, and Indian/Tribal health centers.

During the accreditation process, health care organizations undergo an extensive self-assessment and onsite survey by AAAHC expert surveyors — physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory care. AAAHC advocates for the provision of high-quality health care through the development and adoption of nationally recognized standards. For more information on AAAHC, please visit www.aaahc.org.

Collegiate Recovery Program Ranks Top 10 in Country
Fairfield University’s Collegiate Recovery Program has been ranked as one of the top 10 programs in the nation by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education's All Sober rankings for a second consecutive year.

Launched in 2013, Fairfield’s Collegiate Recovery program offers a nurturing, affirming, and substance-free environment for students in recovery. The program includes a sober house, fully integrated support services, recreational activities, sober wellness programming, and career counseling. Fairfield University was specifically recognized for its dedicated and highly experienced staff, clinicians, and mentors.

“The program is purposefully designed for students to learn how to balance their education with their recovery, and to thrive while doing so,” said Lisa Arnold. “Having a well-rounded program equates to having well-rounded residents, as this program embodies our University mission and embraces mind, body, and spirit. This program meets our students where they are at and breathes life into inclusivity. Our goal is to provide our students with wrap-around services and most of all, to feel welcome and supported.”

In addition to the Collegiate Recovery Program, Fairfield University’s Counseling and Psychological Services promotes student mental health and wellness through a variety of counseling services, crisis support, education, therapy groups, and outreach. Free and confidential, students are able to connect with resources 24/7.