For Immediate Release                                                         Contact: Julie Badot jjbadot@capecodhealth.org
 

(Hyannis, MA – July 1, 2025)
Cape Cod Healthcare (CCHC) is pleased to announce that Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital have earned The Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Certification, an honor that reflects the ongoing commitment of both hospital teams to providing safe, high-quality and equitable care for all patients.

The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare, focused on improving healthcare quality and safety through evidence-based evaluation standards. Massachusetts is the first state in the U.S. to adopt The Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Certification, a new and advanced program which recognizes hospitals dedicated to excellence in their efforts to provide equitable care, treatment and services. To achieve this distinction, both hospitals underwent a rigorous, onsite review with a Joint Commission surveyor for this voluntary certification, which evaluated the structures and processes in place to reduce health disparities in patient populations, promote health equity and belonging for staff and address five key related areas: leadership, collaboration, data collection, provision of care and performance improvement.

“This certification is a firm validation of years of mission-oriented efforts at CCHC to improve health equity and be a provider of choice in equitable, highest-quality care,” said CCHC Chief Health Equity and Wellness Officer, Kumara Sidhartha, MD, MPH. “Addressing health-related social needs, accommodating the needs for those with disabilities, and closing any identified health disparities have always been key priorities in caring for our patients.”

“This achievement was made possible through staff education, ongoing collaboration with community partners, dedicated teamwork, and the unwavering support of leadership and the Board of Trustees.” said CCHC Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Michelle Skarbek. “We commend our team for their steadfast commitment to improving patient-centered care for everyone.”

“Cape Cod Healthcare is committed to providing the highest quality care for all our patients on Cape Cod, regardless of their background or circumstances. This national recognition is a testament to our team’s ongoing dedication to patient safety and excellence in serving our community,” said Cape Cod Healthcare President and CEO Michael K. Lauf.