 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
|
| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Davis A. Baltz, MS, Commonweal, PO Box 316, Bolinas, CA 94924, 510 834-8786, dbaltz@igc.org
Abstract: Concern about the health care industry's contributions to environmental health problems, often from community-based coalitions, has resulted in significant policy changes in California for hospitals' environmental management practices. New strategies are emerging to reduce the volume of medical waste in hospitals; to utilize alternative treatment technologies for potentially infectious medical waste; to select safer products in medical supplies; and to retrofit buildings with environmental stewardship as a priority.
This session will examine recent developments and circumstances in California's healthcare industry which are driving market change in the state. The size and influence of California's market will likely foretell changes to come elsewhere in the country.
Founded in 1996, Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of 390 organizations in 40 countries. Its members include the American Nurses Association, California Nurses Association, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Kaiser Permanente, Catholic Healthcare West, and the AFL-CIO. The mission of the campaign is to transform the health care industry so it is no longer a source of environmental harm, without compromising safety or care.
Learning Objectives:
Related Web page: www.noharm.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.