YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Three Mercy Health hospitals in the Mahoning Valley have received national recognition for their environmental sustainability efforts.
For the fourth consecutive year, Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital and St. Joseph Warren Hospital earned the Partner for Change Award from Practice Greenhealth, a nonprofit organization focused on sustainability in health care.
The award honors hospitals that demonstrate strong performance in waste minimization, energy efficiency, sustainable procurement and other environmentally preferable practices. Practice Greenhealth also recognized Bon Secours Mercy Health, the system that includes the Youngstown-area hospitals, with its System for Change Award for setting and tracking system-wide sustainability goals.
James Armour, vice president of mission for Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown, said the recognition reflects the hospitals’ commitment to environmental stewardship as part of their health care mission. “By continually pursuing more sustainable operations, we’re reducing our environmental impact and creating a safer, healthier future for our patients, associates, and neighbors,” he said.
Recent initiatives include solar energy feasibility studies at seven Bon Secours Mercy Health facilities, recycling improvements, and the elimination of desflurane, an anesthetic gas with significant warming potential. St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital increased its recycling rate from 20% in 2022 to 24.1% in 2023. Each facility also expanded the use of reusable products in clinical care to reduce waste.
The Youngstown market’s Green Team, which meets quarterly to advance sustainability efforts, contributed to this year’s recognition. All three hospitals achieved “Transforming” status, the highest level of performance in stakeholder engagement, organizational commitment, and strategic planning.
Gary Cohen, founder of Practice Greenhealth, said Mercy Health’s work demonstrates leadership that can influence the broader health care sector. “A focus on sustainability can help build resilience while better protecting the health of patients and the community,” he said.
The Partner for Change Award is part of Practice Greenhealth’s Environmental Excellence Awards, given annually to recognize health care’s achievements in sustainability.