Since 2005, hospitals and other health care facilities across the state of Maryland have participated in the Maryland Hospitals for a Healthy Environment initiative. Through this initiative hospitals have conducted mercury audits, participated in an integrated pest management pilot program, attended educational seminars on topics such as environmentally preferable purchasing, pharmaceutical waste management, and developing green goals. Sustainable Operations address core issues in the hospital or facility that pertain to creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable operating practice. To accomplish this, it is important to create leadership through Green Teams, address regulatory issues, and develop programs that will be successful for your institution.
 
MD H2E works routinely with hospitals to develop and implement policies and programs that improve the environmental health of patients, staff, and community members. MD H2E staff are available to:
 
1) meet with executive leadership at your facility,
 
2) present at a Green Team meeting,
 
3) conduct an educational seminar,
 
4) conduct a mercury or DEHP audit, or
 
5) assist in developing a plan for creating a sustainable culture and operation.
 
 
 
The following list is a sampling of topics that MD H2E can assist your facility with:
 
* Blue Wrap Recycling
* Eco Checklist
* Energy Conservation
* Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
* Goal Development
* Green Building
* Green Cleaning
* Integrated Pest Management
* Mercury Elimination
* Pharmaceutical Waste Management
* Policy Development
* PVC/DEHP Elimination
* Recycling
* Regulated Medical Waste Reduction
* Visioning
* Water Conservation
 
 
 
Past newsletters have addressed many of these issues in detail. To learn more, search for past newsletters using keywords of your topic of interest in the search box.
 
For more information about sustainable operations or to have MD H2E visit your facility, contact
 
Joan Plisko, PhD <http://mdh2e.org/about/staff/> , Technical Director, MD H2E, 410-706-2107, plisko@son.umaryland.edu