Hackensack University Medical Center Recognized by Practice Greenhealth as One of the Top 25 Hospitals in the U.S. for Environmental Sustainability for the 7th Consecutive Year
August 18, 2020
Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center was recognized as one of Practice Greenhealth’s Top 25 Hospitals for Environmental Excellence for the seventh consecutive year. Hackensack University Medical Center is one of only three hospitals in the nation — and the only hospital in the tri-state area — to receive this prestigious recognition for the seventh year in a row.
Launched in 2002, the Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards program recognizes health care organizations for their commitment to environmental stewardship and their sustainability achievements. In addition to the Top 25 list, the program includes Circles of Excellence Awards, which honor the top 10 hospitals nationwide in each sustainability impact area, as well as several other recognitions.
“At Hackensack Meridian Health, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of medicine to reach new heights of research and innovation. Promoting a clean environment and food sustainability is an important part of advancing health care,” said Robert C. Garrett, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “I want to congratulate Hackensack University Medical Center on being recognized among the top 25 hospitals in the nation for elevating the standard for sustainability in health care — and for being one of only three hospitals in the nation that has maintained this status for seven consecutive years.”
“Our team members are dedicated to environmental stewardship and preserving the planet for future generations,” said Mark D. Sparta, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center. “We are proud to be the only hospital in the tri-state area, and one of only three in the U.S., to earn Practice Greenhealth’s Top 25 recognition for seven years in a row.”
Through its efforts in sustainable food purchasing, Hackensack University Medical Center has helped to protect patients and team members from antibiotic resistance by purchasing meat and poultry raised without routine antibiotics since 2013. In addition, their use of safer chemicals has not only protected the environment, but it has helped shield patients and team members from unnecessary exposure to toxins. Practice Greenhealth also recognized the medical center with two Circles of Excellence awards — one for leadership, and the other for healthier, more sustainable food — as well as the Greening the OR Recognition Award.
“At Hackensack Meridian Health, we believe that caring for the environment is one more way we can contribute to community health,” said Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., FACS, regional president, Northern Market, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Hackensack University Medical Center’s latest Practice Greenhealth recognition is a testament to our network’s commitment to improving population health through various environmental stewardship initiatives.”
“This recognition was earned and is well deserved,” said Deirdre Imus, President and Founder of The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center® at Hackensack University Medical Center. “The medical center has been relentless in its pursuit of protecting our environment – and continues to set an example for other healthcare facilities across the country in everything from food purchases and cleaning practices to green roofs and honeybees.”
For additional information, please email Mary McGeever, manager, Public Relations.