Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey Medical Center now part of Practice Greenhealth

Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center have joined Practice Greenhealth, the leading nonprofit membership and networking organization for sustainable health care.

The mission of Practice Greenhealth is to empower its members to increase their efficiencies and environmental stewardship while improving patient safety and care through tools, best practices and knowledge. The health care sector has an enormous impact on the environment – from producing an astonishing 5.2 billion tons of waste annually to consuming more than 8% of the nation’s energy.

With 21.8 million people working in health care settings and facilities that operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week, plus purchasing power that represents 18% of the U.S. marketplace, health care organizations also have a tremendous opportunity to create better, safer, greener workplaces and communities.

Practice Greenhealth network partners recognize sustainability as a means to practice the Hippocratic Oath – to heal and do no harm – through safer products, reduced air emissions, elimination of toxins, safer working environments, less waste and efficient use of energy and water. As a network partner, the College of Medicine and Penn State Health have access to tools, resources and expert knowledge that advance sustainable health care and drive change throughout the organization.

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