WASHINGTON — Nine Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Medical Centers were recognized for their efforts in environmental sustainability in health care at an award ceremony May 18 in Minneapolis.
Sponsored by Practice Greenhealth, a nonprofit focused on environmental stewardship in the health-care industry, the awards honored the top 25 health-care facilities that exemplify the best in environmental excellence and the highest standards for environmental practices in health care.
“We are proud of these accomplishments that recognize VHA’s efforts to embrace sustainable practices in providing the best environment of care for our Veterans,” said Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acting Under Secretary for Health Dr. Poonam Alaigh.
“Being recognized for identifying and installing energy-efficient equipment, reducing waste and using less toxic chemicals to lower operational costs is a significant milestone as we make the best use of taxpayer funds,” said Richard Hofman, VA’s Green Environmental Management Systems program manager for policy and oversight.
In addition to the Top Awards, VHA earned more than 180 other sustainability honors for efforts ranging from energy reduction to green building design, as well as long-term commitments to healthier environments.
VHA employs more than 305,000 health-care professionals and support staff at more than 1,000 sites of care to provide health care to more than 9 million enrolled Veterans. This includes hospitals; community-based outpatient clinics; nursing homes; and 300 Vet Centers. VA is the nation’s largest provider of graduate medical education and a major contributor to medical and scientific research.
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