Health Care Outreach

The following workshops have been held recently:

1. Everything You Wanted to Know about Green Construction – The Institution Recycling Network (IRN) used case studies to present information about the benefits of recycling construction and demolition materials. CT DEP presented information on environmental, health, and safety requirements on construction and demolition sites and the benefits of high performance buildings.

2. Protecting CT's Children from Environmental Risks: Problems and Solutions – This workshop was co-sponsored by CHER, EPA, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The purpose of the workshop was to provide nurses and other health care professionals, who serve children, to learn to identify, manage, and prevent environmental health risks. Several state agencies and non-profits also provided additional resources for the participants.

3. Renew Your Energy – This workshop highlighted innovative steps taken by St. Francis Hospital to reduce energy consumption and costs. Other presenters provided information on renewable energy options for hospitals, project funding, combined heat and power, and evaluating energy performance. Participants were also given a tour of St. Francis Hospital's operating fuel cell.

4. CT Hospitals, Leading By Example – The workshop featured case studies from three hospitals that are using innovative approaches to managing pharmaceutical waste as well as surplus equipment and unopened surgical supplies.