MUNDELEIN, Ill., May 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Practice Greenhealth awarded Medline Industries, Inc., the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of health care and surgical supplies, the 2012 Practice Greenhealth Champion for Change Award for outstanding contributions to environmentally responsible health care.
"Medline is committed to providing hospitals and long-term care facilities with environmentally friendly alternative products and supplies that are both eco-friendly and economical," said Andy Mills, president of Medline. "Medline is committed to protecting human health and the environment, while at the same time providing our health care customers cost-effective resources in these competitive times. Our high standard of sustainability is echoed in our offerings to all of our customers and throughout our company."
Practice Greenhealth's Champion for Change Award recognizes businesses and organizations that demonstrate successful accomplishments in 'greening' their own organization and have assisted their associated health care customers in improving their environmental performance. Medline was honored by Practice Greenhealth at the Environmental Excellence Awards May 2, 2012 in Denver,Colo., in conjunction with CleanMed, a global conference on environmentally sustainable health care.
"This award demonstrates Medline's commitment to their customers and their community to protect public health and preserve the environment," said Laura Wenger, RN, executive director, Practice Greenhealth. "Medline is truly demonstrating leadership for the future of health care."
Medline began a company-wide sustainability initiative nearly a decade ago by working to conserve energy and dramatically lower greenhouse emissions. Since then, the company has worked ardently to green its entire operation from sourcing, manufacturing and packaging through distribution, use and disposal.
Medline is also committed to providing much needed environmentally-friendly products and services to customers through a variety of services and programs that target the unique sustainability needs of each customer. The company recently launched the greensmart™ program, a strategic four-pronged approach that helps health care facilities: measure the baseline of their environmental impact; identify opportunities for environmental cost savings; monitor and report on progress; and, garner marketing assistance and education.
Medline is a member of Practice Greenhealth and has an active role in the prestigious Business Leadership Coalition and the Greening the OR initiative.
About Practice Greenhealth
Practice Greenhealth is the nation's leading membership and networking organization for institutions in the health care community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Members include hospitals, health care systems, businesses and other stakeholders engaged in the greening of health care to improve the health of patients, staff and the environment. Practice Greenhealth is a source of environmental solutions for the health care sector. For more information on Practice Greenhealth, visit www.practicegreenhealth.org.
About Medline
As the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of health care products, Medline manufactures and distributes more than 125,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, physician offices, home care dealers, agencies and major retail outlets. Recently named one of the "100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare," Medline is headquartered in Mundelein, Ill.and has more than 1,100 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line, clinical programs and cost management services. For more information, visit www.medline.com.
Ann Fahey (847) 643-3011
afahey@medline.com
Karen Frey, (847) 643-4805
kfrey@medline.com
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