The Ohio Hospital Association today announced The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will receive the John Chapman Award for developing a comprehensive program to reduce their ecological footprint in the community. 

“The energy sustainability efforts of Ohio hospitals continue to grow, and the accomplishments of this year’s honorees are exemplary,” said Nolan Rutschilling, director of Energy Program, OHA. “This year’s honorees have invested greatly in operational efficiencies and community-based programs to bring better wellness to our environment.”

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is recognized for their significant progress in energy and waste reduction, saving more than $2 million annually by composting, repurposing medical devices and reusing materials. OSUWMC utilizes energy conservation measures, green cleaning materials, an internal green team and green construction requirements to significantly reduce their carbon footprint. A 2018 Melvin Creeley Award winner, OSUWMC made a significant amount of progress over one year, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability. The award is named after John Chapman or “Johnny Appleseed,” who planted thousands of apple trees across the Midwest during the 19th century. 

OHA also named 13 hospitals winners of the 2019 Melvin Creeley Environmental Leadership Award that include:

• Barnesville Hospital
• Cleveland Clinic
• Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers
• Fairfield Medical Center
• Henry County Hospital
• Mercy Health - Youngstown Region
• Mount Carmel Health System
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital
• OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital 
• Premier Health Atrium Medical Center
• Premier Health Miami Valley Hospital
• Summa Health 
• TriHealth 

Named after OHA Health Care Hall of Fame inductee, Melvin Creeley, former CEO from East Liverpool City Hospital and past chair of OHA’s Environmental Leadership Council, the award recognizes hospitals for promoting sound practices through environmental stewardship. 

This year’s honorees will receive their awards at OHA’s 2019 Annual Meeting on June 4 in Columbus.

The health care sector is the second most energy-intensive industry in the United States. Hospitals alone spend $8 billion on energy every year and use more than 10 percent of our nation’s energy. Beginning with a partnership with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in the 1990s, OHA embarked on a campaign to assist hospitals with pollution prevention and waste reduction in Ohio. OHA's Environmental Leadership Council provides support and technical resources to Ohio hospitals in their efforts to reduce waste, prevent pollution and comply with environmental regulations.

Today, OHA’s Energy & Sustainability Program is nationally recognized and continues to support Ohio hospitals’ mission of health care by optimizing operating costs to be more environmentally sustainable. In 2018, participating members of OHA’s energy program achieved $9.6 million in energy savings, rebates and educational benefits from the program. 

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