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Practice Greenhealth member Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Washington, was among the first hospitals to receive and treat COVID-19 patients.
They used more personal protective equipment (PPE) in two months in early 2020 than their entire 51-hospital system used the previous year.
The realization that there would not be enough PPE if standard infection prevention policies and isolation procedures were followed meant something had to change, and quickly.
As supplies of high-filtration masks dwindled, CDC and FDA provided guidance to hospitals on how employees could… Read More
Type: Press
Practice Greenhealth’s Visionary Leader Award annually recognizes a senior-level health care executive who has effectively advocated for and woven sustainability and environmental stewardship into health care operations through innovative strategies and mentorship. The 2020 winner of the Visionary Leader Award is Alison Santore.
Santore is an influential leader and tireless advocate for the poor and vulnerable. As Providence’s senior vice president of government affairs and social responsibility, she is a strong supporter of underserved communities. She leads this work within… Read More
Type: Press
Why sharing your sustainability story still mattersIn today’s complex and often polarized landscape, many organizations are carefully weighing how and when to talk about their climate and sustainability work. The risks of being misunderstood or politicized are real, and for some, staying quiet feels like the safer choice.But thoughtful communication is still possible and powerful. Even in a cautious environment, there are ways to share your progress with integrity, transparency, and care.A growing trend known as greenhushing describes the decision to downplay or stay silent about… Read More
Type: Press
Harold Mitchell, ReGenesis Community Development Corporation founder and executive director, is the recipient of Health Care Without Harm’s highest honor, the 2022 Environmental Health Hero Award. Mitchell is being honored for his leadership in healing communities through climate justice, equitable health care, and community resilience initiatives.
A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Mitchell’s journey was rooted in the fight for his own health and that of his family and neighbors in the industry-impacted Arkwright community, which contained two Superfund sites and four brownfield sites… Read More
Type: Press
See how your facility comparesThe 2025 Health care sustainability metrics report, featuring performance data from nearly 500 health care facilities across the country, is your roadmap for understanding where your facility stands—and where the greatest opportunities for improvement exist.Health care facilities tracking and improving these metrics are seeing:10-30% reduction in energy, water, and waste costs $100,000+ annual savings from proper waste segregation alone Improved patient outcomes linked to better air quality and healthier environmentsEnhanced reputation with the 70% of… Read More
Type: Press
April 22 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and this year’s theme is climate action. There is no better time to raise our collective voice and show the world how health care leads on climate to protect health. No matter what your role may be in health care, you can inspire others with your passion and climate leadership.
"The life of every child born today will be profoundly affected by climate change. Without accelerated intervention, this new era will come to define the health of people at every stage of their lives."
2019 Lancet Countdown Report
Before/On Earth Day: Tell the… Read More
Type: Press
Thresa Pattee, our beloved colleague, friend, and posthumous recipient of our 2024 Environmental Health Hero Award
Each year, we select an Environmental Health Hero to recognize and celebrate their contributions to the environmental health movement. This year, Health Care Without Harm is honoring one of our own staff members who passed away in March after a valiant battle with bone cancer.
Thresa Irene Pattee, as all who knew her would agree, was a force of nature. In her eight years at Health Care Without Harm, she brought a passion for the mission of the organization that was matched… Read More
Type: Press
University of Chicago Health staff went above and beyond when they tackled the ever-growing pile of blue wrap coming out of their surgery department. Challenged with luke-warm recycling markets, Amber Kratochvil, operating room associate director, and a group of OR nurses came up with an innovative idea that both reduces waste and helps their community.
When they presented the idea to the unit-based council (UBC), UBC chair Heather Renken ran with it, establishing a team to start saving all disposable blue wrap that sterile trays come in when they arrive at operating rooms from… Read More
Type: Press
By Gary Cohen, president and founder of Health Care Without Harm
Imagine energy efficient hospitals that save money on energy bills to use for critical patient care, and that promote renewable energy as a community health and resilience strategy. Imagine hospitals that create healthy food environments to help address the epidemic of obesity and diabetes in our country. Imagine hospitals that lead society in reducing toxic chemical exposures, and that are reducing their waste, saving money and improving patient care at the same time. Imagine a health care system that redefines “community… Read More
Type: Press
The University of California (UC) announced a bold expansion of its systemwide sustainability goals as part of its Carbon Neutrality Initiative and leadership on climate change efforts.
UC will aim for 100 percent reliance on clean electricity supplies across its campuses and UC Health’s medical centers by 2025. This dovetails with the university’s prior pledge to become operationally carbon neutral by 2025. UC has already saved $220 million with its energy efficiency programs and continues to leverage the benefits of its solar farm in Fresno, the largest solar purchase of any university in… Read More
Type: Press
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Practice Greenhealth is the health care sector’s go-to source for information, tools, data, resources, and expert technical support on sustainability initiatives that help hospitals and health systems meet their health, financial, and community goals.
Who We Are
Practice Greenhealth is the leading sustainable health care organization, delivering environmental solutions to more than 1,500 hospitals and health systems in the United States and Canada. Partnership opportunities include hospitals, health systems, community health organizations, NGOs, nonprofits, government, academic institutions, and the health care value chain.