This opinion piece appeared in The News JournalApril 22, 2022, Earth Day. It is authored by ChristianaCare’s Rob McMurray is chief financial officer. Bettina Tweardy Rivos is senior vice president, Government Affairs and Community Engagement and Chief Health Equity Officer.
Global environmental issues can often seem distant and abstract. But for our neighbors in Wilmingtons Riverside, 11ThStreet Bridge neighborhoods were flooded by floodwaters last September. More than 200 people were displaced.
These neighborhoods aren’t the only ones. These neighborhoods are not the only ones that are underserved or poor. Many of them are Black, Latino, and Native American. They are more vulnerable to natural disasters such as flooding and poor water quality.
It has a negative impact on the residents’ health and life expectancy. There is a strong correlation between your ZIP code, your overall health, and your ZIP code. Residents of Wilmington living within a few miles of each other in different census tracts have a difference in their life expectancy of 13 years.
These problems are not unique, but the past two year of the pandemic has brought to a greater focus the inequity our society has inherited. Take, for example, the following: Harvard study2020 showed that air pollution was associated with higher death rates from COVID-19, likely one of many reasons why the pandemic has disproportionally affected Black and Latino communities.
ChristianaCare is committed to your health. We have seen the connection between health and the environment become more apparent over the past few years.
We are taking actions and are looking for partners.
We are Delaware’s largest private employer, employing more than 13,000 caregivers. This means we have an obligation as an employer to be sustainable, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lead in sustainability efforts.
This isn’t just talk. We have been involved with significant strategic planning over the last year to create an environmental, corporate governance (ESG), framework that will help us achieve our environmental impact. This work goes hand in hand with our commitment to anti-racismEquity in health and wellbeing
We are creating an organizational framework that integrates equity and environmental goals into every aspect of our business. This includes our purchasing practices, facilities management, advocacy and investment, as well as the ways we provide care and connect with our community. We are currently working to establish standards and metrics for environmental performance reporting, and to develop a governance model that delivers environmental stewardship and health equity.
The case for creating a healthy environment is clear from a public health perspective. It is also a good business idea. ESG standards that are strong will help organizations be more resilient, innovative, and successful in the long-term. They also foster a happier workforce.
ChristianaCare is committed to your health. We have become more aware of the strong connection between environment and health over the years.
ChristianaCare is motivated by the desire to serve our neighbors with excellence, love, and joy every day. It makes us feel good about what and how we do it. Many of our caregivers are passionate about social justice and environmental issues. We are creating a framework to harness their energy and help them make an effect.
As we work to become more environmentally conscious, the health care system like ours must also realize that they are part of the problem. According to one study, the US’s health care sector accounts for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. Hospitals account for more than one third of those emissions. We can help Delaware become a more sustainable and equitable state by reducing our carbon footprint and reducing waste.
The Lancet Commission characterized climate change as both the “biggest global health threat” and “the greatest global health opportunity” of the 21st century. Already, air pollution is costing the United States over $6 billion annually in health care costs. Expected to causeIf we don’t change the trajectory, there could be an additional 4,300 premature deaths by 2050, just 28 years from now.
We don’t have to accept these risks or lose our lives. These are problems that can be solved.
We can make Delaware more sustainable and equitable through how we buy our products, reduce our waste, and use energy efficiently in our buildings.
This year’s Earth Day theme is Investing in Our Planet. A plan is the key to investment. It’s designed to deliver results. ChristianaCare is developing environmental standards to meet the needs of our community and create jobs. We also aim to bolster our regional economy and reduce health care costs.
This is not about the journey. It is about the destination. We want to make an impact. We commit to not only being accountable but also reporting on our progress.
Everyone benefits from a healthy environment. This Earth Day, we encourage everyone think about how you can make a difference in your workplace, your home, or your neighborhood. Now is the right time. Make a plan, then follow it up. For employers and anchor institutions in our community, we invite them to join us. We can all work together to create a better world for everyone.