Many of you are familiar with the "CRMC Green Team" that has been doing some awesome things with an all volunteer league of staff who are passionate about being responsible with the environment. They formed the group about 4 years ago and have accomplished much.

As a result of the Tim Joslin Town Hall meetings, it was requested that there be a corporate sponsor for the group and that their efforts could be recognized and expanded system-wide. Well, I stepped up and said "sure"...so I am now that sponsor and in short order, the team has expanded to a system-wide Value Added Team (VAT) for Sustainability and now has representatives from each hospital and we are hoping eventually all entities of Community Medical Centers will get involved. Susan Sample from the Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital has stepped up to Chair the VAT. Thanks Susan!!!

Also note there is now a special area on the "Forum" for all things "Green" (thanks to Erin Kennedy who also has a passion for sustainability).

The Sustainability VAT Team's first meeting was last week and one of the first things they want to do is develop a formalized system for recycling at all locations and eventually tackle the water conservation concerns. We need more members, so come join us if that works (2nd Tuesday of the month at 0900...rotating locations and we are going to arrange for video conferencing to save on the carbon footprint of driving).

This is only the beginning of many efforts and we have wonderful opportunities to be responsible corporate citizens and make a difference.

The Earth Day event held at CRMC was quite a success and so many of you submitted great ideas for "going green" and water conservation...a VAT subcommittee  has been formed that will review all entries and make recommendations for the two overall winners. Remember, as a winner, you will be asked to participate in launching the idea(s).

Green, Greener, Greenest-that's what we aspire to!