Strong awarded for 'green' achievements

Strong Memorial Hospital was one of three hospitals to receive a national award for advances in environmental management. The award is sponsored by Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E), a joint program of the American Hospital Association, American Nurses Association, Health Care Without Harm, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"We commend these hospitals for their innovative programs to reduce pollution, minimize waste, and eliminate mercury from the waste stream," said H2E coordinator Laura Brannen.

Strong was recognized for a 65 percent reduction in medical waste, its mercury elimination program, and the switch from the toxic gas ethylene oxide to a nontoxic antifreeze. Strong also has instituted a value analysis program for purchasing decisions that monitors a product's environmental impact, latex content, packaging and disposal issues.

Marvin Stillman, hazardous waste manager, oversaw the application process and accepted the award at the April 8 ceremony. "This is an example of teamwork between different departments," says Stillman. "The work of Environmental Safety, Value Analysis, Medical Center Facilities and Services, and Hazardous Waste Management all contributed to our receiving such recognition."

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