Morristown Medical Center Awarded For Environmental Sustainability

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Atlantic Health System was one of only ten health systems in the United States to receive Practice Greenhealth's prestigious System for Change award, recognizing the health care organization's achievements in environmental sustainability.

For several years, Atlantic Health System has been recognized by Practice Greenhealth for a variety of innovative solutions designed to reduce the New Jersey-based health care organization's environmental impact.

“We have taken an organization-wide approach that the impact health care takes on the environment cannot be an afterthought. Sustainability is central to how we deliver care, not only because it helps to make our communities healthier, but also improves how we operate,” said Carolyn Brown-Dancy, director of environmental health and safety-sustainability for Atlantic Health System.

One notable example of how the organization has reduced its environmental footprint occurred in 2021 when Atlantic Health System began integrating a "co-gen" power plant at Morristown Medical Center.

In 2021, the medical facility spent time distributing over 10,000 tree saplings to Atlantic Health System team members and donating over 1,500 tree saplings to Morris Township in order to replace trees that were downed and damaged in severe storms.

“In a shifting health care landscape, a focus on sustainability can help build resilience while better protecting the health of patients and the community,” said Gary Cohen, Practice Greenhealth founder.

Practice Greenhealth is the nation's leading organization dedicated to environmental sustainability in health care, highlighting success in making health care operations more environmentally friendly, even in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the System for Change and Excellence Awards, Atlantic Health System has received the Greenhealth Emerald Award, which recognizes outstanding hospitals from among the Partner for Change applicants.

This competitive award honors the top 20 percent of applicants and is focused on advanced sustainability programs and exceptional scores in a variety of categories. This award was given to Atlantic Health System's Chilton Medical Center, Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center this year.

Morristown Medical Center Ambulatory Surgery Center also received two Practice Greenhealth awards: the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award, which recognizes hospitals that have virtually eliminated mercury from their facilities and have made a commitment to remain "mercury-free"; and the Partner Recognition Award, which recognizes facilities that have made progress in several areas of the organization in terms of environmental improvements.

“Atlantic Health System demonstrates the kind of leadership, innovation, and performance that can drive the entire health sector toward more environmentally responsible practices,” Cohen said.