Inova Health System Recognized by Practice Greenhealth for ‘Going Green’

All Five Inova Hospitals Win Awards at Global Conference

Falls Church, VA  – (May 22, 2009) — Inova Health System was recognized this week for its environmental improvement efforts at CleanMed 2009, a global conference held in Chicago for healthcare’s environmental leaders.

Inova Fairfax Hospital was named a winner of Practice Greenhealth’s “Partner for Change” award for working to improve and expand upon programs to eliminate mercury, reduce waste and prevent pollution. In addition, Inova Alexandria, Inova Fair Oaks, Inova Loudoun and Inova Mount Vernon hospitals were honored with Practice Greenhealth’s “Partner Recognition” award for taking important first steps to improve their environmental performance.

“Each of our Environmental Excellence awards represents a tremendous effort on the part of hospital staff to reduce the health and environmental impacts associated with health delivery,” said Bob Jarboe, Executive Director, Practice Greenhealth.

“Inova has made a serious commitment to reduce its impact on the environment and take care of the communities it serves,” said Seema Wadhwa, Sustainability Coordinator, Inova Health System. “We’re excited that all five Inova hospitals were recognized. These awards confirm for us that we’re going in the right direction.”

Practice Greenhealth is the nation’s leading membership and networking organization for institutions in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Awards were presented in seven categories to more than 140 facilities. In addition, Practice Greenhealth will sponsor the planting of 100 trees in Haiti for each award presented.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.