Kaiser Permanente Wins National Awards for Commitment to Environmen...( Practice Greenhealth Recognition High...),Health

Practice Greenhealth Recognition Highlights Organization's Green Efforts

OAKLAND, Calif., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 (PVC) 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.

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