In recognition for its achievement and innovation in health care sustainability, Methodist Healthcare hospitals received the Making Medicine Mercury-Free Award from Practice Greenhealth, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in health care.

Methodist Hospital, Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital Metropolitan, Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, and Methodist Hospital Texsan were honored for their prominent and proactive role in decreasing the waste stream of mercury-containing devices, reducing the amount of hazardous waste in the world.

“Methodist Healthcare is dedicated to protecting the health of patients and the community in every way possible,” said Ray Miller, Methodist Healthcare Division Director of Environment of Care. “Our hospitals strive for more environmentally responsible practices through innovation and proven safety measures.”

Mercury reduction policies are among the most common environmental commitments in healthcare. Mercury is toxic to human health, posing a threat to the development of children and particularly potent to those with compromised immunity.

“We have taken giant strides to assess and reduce a mercury footprint within the facility by establishing standalone mercury-free purchasing policies, removing facility equipment, such as switches, relays, thermostats, fluorescent lamps and light bulbs, and batteries all while replacing them with more environmentally sound and energy efficient alternatives,” said Nate Smith, Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant Director of Facilities Management.

The award is one of Practice Greenhealth’s Environmental Excellence Awards given annually to honor health care’s achievements in sustainability.