Press Release: December 18, 2007

Magnolia Creek Awarded Three-Year Accreditation and Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission

Birmingham eating disorder treatment center receives recognition for its commitment to national standards for health care quality and safety.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (12/18/07) - This fall added a new shade of gold to the wooded acres of Magnolia Creek Residential Treatment Center for Eating Disorders. The center earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™ after undergoing a lengthy on-site evaluation in early October to demonstrate compliance to the organization's national standards for health care quality and safety.

"This accreditation is the culmination of a year's hard work," said Nicole Siegfried, the center's clinical director. "Since the founding of Magnolia Creek, we have sought accreditation. Even before we opened our doors to residents, we had submitted to an early survey in April to receive Preliminary Accreditation. We want to be the best, and obtaining the Joint Commission's Gold Seal is a major step toward achieving excellence."

Jim Palmer, the Chief Executive Officer, adds that accreditation is attainable only through cooperation and communication among staff members. "Everyone at Magnolia Creek played a vital role in working to meet the standards," he noted. "The surveyor spent two days at our facility meeting in-depth with our therapists, nurses, dietitians, and support staff. He also spent time with our residents, sitting in on a group session and sharing a meal with them to experience firsthand the kind of treatment we provide."

The Joint Commission (formerly known as JCAHO: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has served as the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care since 1951. Health care organizations who choose to undertake the comprehensive accreditation process are routinely evaluated by The Joint Commission for compliance to their state-of-the-art standards, as well as other requirements.

"In becoming accredited, Magnolia Creek was evaluated against a set of national standards by a Joint Commission surveyor experienced in the delivery of behavioral health care services," says Mary Cesare-Murphy, Ph.D., executive director, Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program, Joint Commission. "Achieving accreditation demonstrates Magnolia Creek's commitment to provide quality care in a safe environment."

About Magnolia Creek Residential Treatment Center for Eating Disorders

Peacefully situated beside a private lake and nestled among more than thirty wooded acres just outside Birmingham, Alabama, Magnolia Creek provides treatment for women ages 18 and older struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorders not otherwise specified. Their comprehensive program provides intensive and personalized treatment in a natural, home-like setting, addressing the medical, psychological, nutritional, spiritual, and relational needs of their residents. Magnolia Creek is licensed by the State of Alabama and is now accredited by The Joint Commission.

Media Contact

Christine Lerios or Suzanne Zimmerman
205 678 4373
media @ magnolia-creek.com