River Falls Area Hospital honored for commitment to environment
RIVER FALLS, Wisc. 05/11/2010--River Falls Area Hospital was honored for its efforts to reduce mercury and as an environmental partner by Practice Greenhealth, a national membership organization for health care facilities committed to environmentally responsible operations.
Holding the Practice Greenhealth award certificate are (from left) Steve Sandeen, facility services manager, Green Team co-chair; Allison Peterson, medical staff services coordinator, Green Team chair; David Miller, River Falls Area Hospital president; and Heather Logelin, River Falls Foundation director, Green Team member. (Click image for high resolution, publication-quality image.)
River Falls Area Hospital was honored with the Making Medicine Mercury-Free Award, which designates exceptional efforts to rid the health care sector of the harmful chemical mercury, commonly used in medical care. The environmental partnership award honors organizations that have outstanding environmental achievements in the health care industry.
"River Falls Area Hospital has been singled out for their efforts to protect patient health and preserve the environment," said Bob Jarboe, executive director of Practice Greenhealth. "River Falls Area Hospital's approach to health care demonstrates a keen understanding of the impact our activities have on the environment and a commitment to build on the achievements they have made so far."
Over the last year, the hospital has not only switched all their dinnerware, silverware and cups to Earth Smart dinnerware, they now utilize renewable energy blocks which accounts for over 20 percent of their monthly total usage. Other environmental friendly activities the hospital is involved with is a battery recycling program, a robust recycling program including donating unusable surgical supplies to the Veterinary hospital at the University of Minnesota and creation of a community garden.
"We are excited to help reduce the environmental footprint of the hospital. This involves not only finding earth friendly options such as renewable energy sources, but it also includes the elimination of contaminants and pollutants," said Steve Sandeen, CPE, facility services manager at the hospital. "Until recently mercury was an integral part of health care equipment and operations. We are honored to be recognized with the Making Medicine Mercury-Free Award. It recognizes our determination and commitment to reduce the health and environmental impacts associated with the use of mercury in every day medicine. We believe a healthier patient and staff environment is worth every effort we put forth."
About Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence
The Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence awards are presented to organizations making an exceptional effort to create a healthier environment. Practice Greenhealth presented Environmental Excellence awards in 7 categories for their work and commitment to health care and the environment today.
Practice Greenhealth is the nation's leading membership and networking organization for institutions in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Members include hospitals, health care systems, businesses and other stakeholders engaged in the greening of health care to improve the health of patients, staff and the environment. Practice Greenhealth is a source of environmental solutions for the health care sector. For more information on Practice Greenhealth, healthy initiatives, current trends, news and views, and other links to earth-friendly organizations, visit practicegreenhealth.org.
About River Falls Area Hospital
River Falls Area Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit health care system of hospitals, clinics and other patient care services that provides exceptional care to communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. More information about Allina Hospitals & Clinics facilities, services and jobs can be found online at allina.com.
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