Geisinger Medical Center honored for eliminating mercury

DANVILLE, PA -- Geisinger Medical Center has been recognized for its efforts to eliminate mercury from the products it uses by Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading health care community that empowers its members to increase their efficiencies and environmental stewardship while improving patient safety and care through tools, best practices and knowledge.

Geisinger Health System was presented with the 2015 ‘Making Medicine Mercury-Free” Award, which designates that proven policies have been put in place to rid the medical center of one of the most hazardous chemicals – mercury – and to prevent it from re-entering.

The Practice Greenhealth Making Medicine Mercury-Free award recognizes facilities that have virtually eliminated mercury from their facilities and have demonstrated a commitment to continue to be mercury-free. Award criteria include mercury-free management and purchasing policies, and staff education.

“Eliminating mercury in our daily work environment protects both our patients and staff,” said Cathy Bastian (pictured with award), senior director, Geisinger Sustainability Program. “We look forward to working with Practice Greenhealth to build on this important work to integrate more sustainable practices into our day-to-day practices.”