El Paso County Public Health receives two new awards for excellence in financial reporting and achievement in popular annual financial reporting

El Paso County Public Health noted for excellence in financial reporting for four straight years

El Paso County, CO – The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has presented El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) with two new awards: the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR Award). The awards are in recognition of the 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the 2021 El Paso County Public Health Popular Annual Financial Report

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story. EPCPH has been recognized with the Certificate of Achievement for four consecutive years, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to financial excellence.

EPCPH submitted for the PAFR Award for the first time in 2022. This award represents significant achievement, with eligibility criteria dependent upon submission and receipt of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the current fiscal year. Each eligible PAFR is reviewed by judges who evaluate the report based on the following categories: reader appeal, understandability, distribution methods, creativity, and other elements.

“El Paso County Public Health is committed to fiscal transparency, maintaining the highest levels of accountability and excellence in our financial management and reporting practices,” said Susan Wheelan, M.B.A., director of El Paso County Public Health. “We have been prudent and innovative in our approach to securing funding, continuously working to meet the needs of all El Paso County residents while serving as responsible financial stewards.”

EPCPH has received eight total awards from GFOA since submitting its first Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year 2018. In addition to the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting and four consecutive Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, EPCPH has received the GFOA award for Distinguished Budget Presentation three times.