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Environmental health recognition for Kaiser Permanente

MEDIA RELEASE

OAKLAND, Calif. – Kaiser Permanente received the System for Change Award, for the second consecutive year, for its leadership in improving environmental performance in the health care sector. Kaiser Permanente received the award today from Practice Greenhealth at CleanMed 2009, a global conference for environmental leaders in health care.

The award, which recognizes health systems that have worked to gather environmental data, set goals, and encourage eco-friendly practices, reflects Kaiser Permanente’s long-standing commitment to protecting the environment.

“Kaiser Permanente recognizes the health of the environment directly affects individual health. We are constantly working to reduce our collective impact on the environment and improve the health of the communities we serve,” said Raymond J. Baxter, Ph.D., senior vice president, Community Benefit, Research and Health Policy.

As a global leader in sustainability, Kaiser Permanente builds greener facilities, buys non-toxic materials when feasible, and supports sustainable agriculture. For example, the organization is working with suppliers to minimize the use of polyvinyl chloride in its operations and services. Recently, Kaiser Permanente made the decision to purchase patient controlled analgesic pump sets and patient identification bracelets that are completely free of PVC, which is a major source of dioxin, a known human carcinogen.

“Kaiser Permanente continues to work to find environmentally friendly alternatives for our members by selecting non-toxic products, working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and informing public policy,” said Kathy Gerwig, Kaiser Permanente’s vice president for workplace safety and environmental stewardship officer.

Practice Greenhealth is a landmark initiative formed to improve the environmental performance of the health care industry. “This award is a reflection of Kaiser Permanente’s business ethics and represents a strong commitment to protect patient health and preserve the environment,” said Bob Jarboe, executive director of Practice Greenhealth.

In addition to the System for Change Award, Kaiser Permanente facilities and regions across the country received 12 Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards in recognition of efforts to reduce waste and prevent pollution. The awards include:

Partner for Change Award: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Ohio, Kaiser Permanente Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Kaiser Permanente Fontana (Calif.) Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Fremont (Calif.) Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Hayward (Calif.) Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Antioch (Calif.) Medical Center, and Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center and Clinic in Hawaii.

Making Medicine Mercury-Free Award: Kaiser Permanente Hayward (Calif.) Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Antioch (Calif.) Medical Center

Partner Recognition Award: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Kaiser Permanente Roseville (Calif.) Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente San Jose (Calif.) Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente San Rafael (Calif.) Medical Center, and Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center.

— Find out more:

Practice Greenhealth: www.practicegreenhealth.org

Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the environment: www.kp.org/green

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