VHA to Recognize Member Hospitals Leading the Way in Sustainability

IRVING, TX–(Marketwire – September 13, 2010) –  VHA Inc., the national health care network, announced today that it will offer a new leadership award to honor not-for-profit member hospitals that are leading the way in developing and implementing outstanding sustainability programs. 

“Most hospitals in the U.S. are intensely focused on the care they deliver to patients but not always as focused on the impact they have on the environment,” said Michael Regier, senior vice president of legal and corporate affairs at VHA. “However, due to heightened awareness and commitment to the global and local communities, a growing number of hospital leaders are looking at their organization’s environmental impact and they are doing some pretty amazing things about it. VHA plans to honor those leading hospitals and encourage others to step up.”

VHA will recognize hospitals that have:

• Shown a commitment to the development, implementation and promotion of a sustainability strategy
• Developed a “best in class” sustainability program, such as on-site programs to save energy, recycle, reduce waste or conserve water
• Measured and reported progress toward sustainability goals
• Demonstrated a commitment to increasing awareness of its sustainability story in the community and/or among its employees

The Sustainability Excellence Award is part of VHA’s existing Leadership Award series that honors hospitals for excellence in supply chain management, clinical care and community benefit leadership. The new award is also part of VHA’s larger commitment to recognizing and advancing innovative sustainability initiatives through its own Corporate Citizenship & Sustainability program. 

“VHA, Novation and Provista have taken significant steps that not only support our mission but also make a positive impact on our employees, our member health care organizations and the community around us,” said Terri Scannell, VHA’s director of corporate citizenship and sustainability. “We’re proud that VHA’s own CC&S program has twice received national recognition, and we are excited to introduce the VHA Sustainability Excellence Award that will recognize and applaud our members’ efforts and great work.”

The Sustainability Excellence award program is open to VHA hospitals that were active members in 2010 and that have developed organizational sustainability programs and initiatives. To enter, visit VHA’s Web site and download the Sustainability Excellence Award overview, criteria and application materials. Awards will be given in two categories — one for large IDNS and one for hospitals, and winners will be recognized at the 2011 Leadership Conference in San Diego. 

About VHA — VHA Inc., based in Irving, Texas, is a national network of not-for-profit health care organizations that work together to drive maximum savings in the supply chain arena, set new levels of clinical performance and identify and implement best practices to improve operational efficiency and clinical outcomes. Formed in 1977, through its 16 regional offices, VHA serves 1,400 hospitals and more than 30,000 non-acute care providers nationwide. VHA was ranked by Modern Healthcare as the 7th best place to work in health care in 2009.