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Idaho Hospitals for a Healthy EnvironmentIdaho 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

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What is H2E?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

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Common Hazardous Wastes in HospitalsCommon Hazardous Wastes in Hospitals

Chemicals (lab) Solvents Pharmaceuticals Spent mercury

equipment E-waste Lighting

Cleaners Pesticides/lawn Oil Batteries X-ray fixer and

developer

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National H2E GoalsNational 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

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H2E Partnership H2E Partnership SponsorsSponsors

American Hospital Association

American Nurses Association

Health Care Without Harm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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H2E in IdahoH2E in Idaho

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

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DEQ’s RoleDEQ’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

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DEQ’s ApproachDEQ’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

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DEQ’s ServicesDEQ’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

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H2E Partner Hospitals in IdahoH2E 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

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H2E Mini-GrantsH2E 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

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H2E Mini-GrantsH2E 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

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EMS Training WorkshopsEMS 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

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NW H2E Recycling Pilot ProjectNW 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

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If We Can Do It, So Can You!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

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Idaho H2EIdaho H2E

For information and to get involved:

www.deq.idaho.gov/multimedia_assistance/hospitals/h2e.htm

Liisa ItkonenDEQ1410 N. HiltonBoise, ID 83706liisa.itkonen@deq.idaho.gov208-373-0282