In recognition for successful programs to reduce its environmental impact, Lebanon VA Medical Center (Lebanon VAMC) received the Partner for Change Award from Practice Greenhealth, an organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in health care. The award is one of the Environmental Excellence Awards given each year to honor environmental achievements in the health care sector. This is the sixth year in a row Lebanon VAMC has earned the award.

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% of their total waste, have reduced regulated medical waste, are on track to eliminate mercury, and have developed successful sustainability programs in many areas.

Lebanon VAMC currently recycles 58% of waste generated, partners with services within the hospital to use greener products, and actively works to implement green designs on new engineering and construction projects. Lebanon VAMC also created a Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) committee to actively explore sustainability programs at the facility.

For more information about the Lebanon VA Medical Center, visit http://www.lebanon.va.gov or http://www.facebook.com/VALebanon. To learn more about Practice Greenhealth, visit http://www.practicegreenhealth.org.