Kaiser Permanente Wins National Gr...( Recognition Highlights Organization...),Health

Recognition Highlights Organization's Commitment to Environmental Health

OAKLAND, Calif., May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaiser Permanente received the "System for Change" award for environmental performance today at the Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Summit in Pittsburgh.

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.

"Just as we at Kaiser Permanente are committed to the health and safety of our members and the communities we serve, we are equally committed to the health and safety of our environment," said Raymond J. Baxter, Ph.D., senior vice president, Community Benefit, Research and Health Policy.

"If the environments that our members work, live and play in are toxic, then everything we do in physician offices and medical centers will be limited."

Kaiser Permanente leads the health care industry in green hospital building, purchasing green materials, saving energy and reducing waste. For example, Kaiser Permanente has purged 630,000 grams of mercury (about 1,430 pounds) from its system over the past several years, leaving the organization 95 percent mercury free.

"The award recognizes the tremendous efforts by Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians who consider environmental protection to be part of their contributions to improving the health of communities we serve," said Kathy Gerwig, Kaiser Permanente's vice president for workplace safety and environmental stewardship officer.

Bob Jarboe, Practice Greenhealth Executive Director, said the System for Change award recognizes organizations that are focused on environmental stewardship and see the connection between the environment and health.

"When Kaiser Permanente took a look at the big picture, the organization knew it wanted to step up its performance," Jarboe sai
'/>"/>