Press Releases: Georgia
June 10, 2009
Kaiser Permanente of Georgia Wins National Award for Commitment to Environmental Health
Kaiser Permanente of Georgia has received an Environmental Excellence Award in recognition of efforts to reduce waste and prevent pollution. The Partner Recognition Award is one of numerous awards that Kaiser Permanente regions across the country received.
In addition, Kaiser Permanente as an organization received the System for Change Award for the second consecutive year, for its leadership in improving environmental performance in the health care sector. The awards were handed out from the Practice Greenhealth organization at CleanMed 2009, a global conference for environmental leaders in health care.
"Kaiser Permanente recognizes the health of the environment directly affects individual health. We are constantly working to reduce our collective impact on the environment and improve the health of the communities we serve," said Raymond J. Baxter, Ph.D., senior vice president, Community Benefit, Research and Health Policy.
As a global leader in sustainability, Kaiser Permanente builds greener facilities, buys non-toxic materials when feasible and supports sustainable agriculture. For example, the organization is working with suppliers to minimize the use of polyvinyl chloride in its operations and services.
"Kaiser Permanente continues to work to find environmentally friendly alternatives for our members by selecting non-toxic products, working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and informing public policy," said Kathy Gerwig, Kaiser Permanente's vice president for workplace safety and environmental stewardship officer.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is the state of Georgia’s largest nonprofit health plan, serving the health care needs of Atlanta metro area residents for 22 years. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc. currently provides comprehensive health care services to approximately 275,000 members through 15 medical facilities in a 28-county service, and a network of affiliated hospitals and physicians. The Health Plan provided more than $5 million in community benefit programs and services.
