Dignity Health - St. Bernardine Medical Center (SBMC) received the Partner for Change Award from Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in health care. The awards are given each year to honor environmental achievements in the health care sector.
The Partner for Change Award recognizes health care facilities that continuously improve and expand upon programs to eliminate mercury, reduce and recycle waste, source products sustainably, and more. Winning facilities must demonstrate that they are recycling at least 15 percent of their total waste, have reduced regulated medical waste, are on track to eliminate mercury, and have developed successful sustainability programs in many areas.
“As health care providers, sustainability is central to our healing mission and essential to protecting the health of our patients, staff, and the San Bernardino community,” said SBMC President, Douglas Kleam. “I am proud to share that as a result of our sustainability efforts, SBMC is greener, and the community is more environmentally friendly.”
Dignity Health has been focused on sustainability for more than 20 years and is recognized for its efforts to reduce waste and implement pollution prevention programs. In 2005, Dignity Health became the first health care organization of its size to use IV bags, solutions, and tubing that are free of PVC and DEHP.
The award will be presented at the Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards Gala, set for May 9 in San Diego at the conclusion of the CleanMed Conference & Exhibition.
About Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center
Founded as a faith-based hospital in 1931 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center (SBMC) is a 342-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in San Bernardino, California. The hospital offers a full complement of services and it shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. SBMC has been recognized by American Stroke Association - “Get With the Guidelines” Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, one of Healthgrades America's 100 Best Hospitals for General Surgery and for Orthopedic Surgery for 5 years in a row, named among the top 5 percent in the country for General Surgery and Orthopedic Services, a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Sepsis for 8 years in a row, and earned Blue Distinction for Maternity Care, Gastric Band, Cardiac Care, and Knee and Hip Replacement from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Visit dignityhealth.org/stbernardine for more information.