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Idaho Hospitals for a Healthy Environment

Idaho Hospitals for a Healthy Environment. If We Can Do It, So Can You Liisa Itkonen, Ph.D. Sr. Environmental Projects/H2E Coordinator Idaho Department of Environmental Quality NAHMMA 20 th Annual Conference September 23, 2005. What is H2E?. 1998 memorandum of understanding

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Idaho Hospitals for a Healthy Environment

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  1. Idaho Hospitals for a Healthy Environment If We Can Do It, So Can You Liisa Itkonen, Ph.D. Sr. Environmental Projects/H2E Coordinator Idaho Department of Environmental Quality NAHMMA 20th Annual Conference September 23, 2005

  2. What is H2E? • 1998 memorandum of understanding • Voluntary program to help healthcare facilities reduce the amount and toxicity of wastes they generate • Fully-funded • Technical assistance and information exchange • Community and national recognition for participation and achievements

  3. Chemicals (lab) Solvents Pharmaceuticals Spent mercury equipment E-waste Lighting Cleaners Pesticides/lawn Oil Batteries X-ray fixer and developer Common Hazardous Wastes in Hospitals

  4. National H2E Goals • Virtually eliminate mercury waste by 2005 • Reduce total waste volume produced by the healthcare industry by 50% by 2010 • Identify and reduce PBT chemicals and other hazardous substances in hospitals through pollution prevention and waste reduction • Change the environmental culture of the healthcare industry

  5. H2E Partnership Sponsors American Hospital Association American Nurses Association Health Care Without Harm U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  6. H2E in Idaho In 2003, DEQ joined H2E a “Champion,” committed to assisting healthcare facilities in Idaho minimize waste and prevent pollution.

  7. DEQ’s Role As an H2E Champion, DEQ assists Idaho healthcare organizations by: • Encouraging hospitals to become H2E Partners • Providing technical support and compliance assistance • Sharing best practices • Developing case studies • Sharing information about workshops and training opportunities in the region

  8. DEQ’s Approach • Emphasize “voluntary” - assistance is not limited to H2E Partners • Work with local healthcare organizations and professional associations • Take advantage of existing forums • Present regulatory and pollution prevention information in ways relevant to healthcare facilities in Idaho • Create opportunities for peer-to-peer discussions

  9. DEQ’s Services As an H2E Champion, DEQ offers healthcare organizations: • Monthly H2E teleconferences • Healthcare pollution prevention conference (October 2004) • Training workshops • Mini-grants for hospitals

  10. H2E Partner Hospitals in Idaho • Bonner General Hospital, Sandpoint • Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Idaho Falls • Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital, Boise • Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, Twin Falls • McCall Memorial Hospital, McCall • Mercy Medical Center, Nampa • Portneuf Medical Center, Pocatello • West Valley Medical Center, Caldwell

  11. H2E Mini-Grants DEQ awarded two $1000 mini-grants in 2004: • Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital purchased mercury-free sphygmomanometers • Bonner General Hospital built a shed for recycled cardboard

  12. H2E Mini-Grants DEQ awarded one $550 and two $500 mini-grants in 2005: • McCall Memorial Hospital will purchase mercury-free sphygmomanometers • Portneuf Medical Center will expand its recycling program • St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center will establish a recycling program

  13. EMS Training Workshops • Environmental management systems training workshops • Boise, October 18, 2005 • Coeur d’Alene, October 20, 2005 • More information: http://www.deq.idaho.gov/multimedia_assistance/hospitals/h2e.cfm#ems

  14. NW H2E Recycling Pilot Project • Partnership between Oregon Center for Environmental Health, Legacy Health System (Portland), Good Shepherd Health Care (Hermiston), and Idaho DEQ • Establish a comprehensive plastics recycling program for a rural hospital in Oregon • Work with at least one Idaho hospital to recycle blue wrap • Once established, add recyclable materials (fluorescent lamps, styrofoam, electronic waste) • Provide a model for collaborative recycling programs

  15. If We Can Do It, So Can You! Partner with healthcare organizations to: • Enhance environmental performance and workplace safety • Provide information about regulations and offer compliance assistance • Share training opportunities • Help reduce waste management costs through pollution prevention and waste minimization • Recognize environmental innovation and leadership

  16. Idaho H2E For information and to get involved: • www.deq.idaho.gov/multimedia_assistance/hospitals/h2e.htm • Liisa Itkonen DEQ 1410 N. Hilton Boise, ID 83706 liisa.itkonen@deq.idaho.gov 208-373-0282

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