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Healthcare Providers Use Inflation Reduction Act to Slash Emissions

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Healthcare Providers Use Inflation Reduction Act to Slash Emissions

(Kitchen Table News) —


Article Summary –

The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) released case studies on how Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth are using the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to reduce carbon emissions and promote health equity. Boston Medical Center’s Clean Power Prescription program provides solar energy credits to patients, reducing environmental and economic health disparities, while OhioHealth installs electric vehicle charging stations in rural areas, promoting clean energy vehicle adoption and reducing local emissions. These initiatives serve as models for other healthcare providers, showcasing how IRA funds can be leveraged for sustainable projects that benefit both public health and the environment.

 

The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) has released two case studies showcasing how Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth are utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to reduce carbon emissions and promote health equity.


Pioneering Climate Initiatives in Healthcare

The case studies guide other health organizations in using IRA funds for energy efficiency and sustainability projects. They highlight Boston Medical Center’s solar energy credits program for patients and OhioHealth’s initiative to fund electric vehicle charging stations using IRA tax incentives.


ADM Rachel L. Levine, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health, praised these efforts. “Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth are showing their peers the power of the Inflation Reduction Act to save hospitals money and reduce environmental health burdens at the same time,” Levine said. She emphasized that the IRA offers unprecedented opportunities for healthcare providers to make long-term investments benefitting both the environment and public health.


Boston Medical Center: Clean Power Prescription

Boston Medical Center’s Clean Power Prescription program integrates renewable energy into patient care. By providing solar energy credits to patients, the medical center reduces its own carbon footprint and helps patients lower energy costs. This initiative addresses both environmental and economic health disparities, showcasing a practical application of the IRA’s resources.


OhioHealth: Expanding Electric Vehicle Charging

OhioHealth’s project focuses on installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in rural areas, funded by IRA tax incentives. These stations offer free charging to residents, promoting the adoption of clean energy vehicles in underserved communities. This approach decreases local emissions and provides a valuable service to rural populations, who often lack access to such infrastructure.


Tackling Climate Change & Boosting Health Equity

These initiatives highlight the critical role healthcare providers can play in combating climate change while advancing health equity. By leveraging IRA funding, organizations can maintain operations during emergencies, reduce pollution, and contribute to broader climate goals. The case studies serve as a blueprint for other healthcare providers looking to adopt similar strategies.


The Catalytic Program on Utilizing the IRA, an ongoing effort by OCCHE, connects safety net healthcare providers to the billions of dollars available through the IRA. This program includes over two dozen hours of webinars and a Quickfinder tool summarizing key IRA programs and policies. These resources educate and empower healthcare providers to undertake environmentally sustainable projects.


Future Outlook

The success stories of Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth point to a promising future. As more healthcare providers explore the IRA’s potential, we can expect a rise in innovative projects that combine climate action with health equity. OCCHE plans to release additional case studies throughout the year, offering continuous inspiration and guidance.


By promoting these pioneering efforts, the HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity hopes to drive widespread adoption of sustainable practices across the healthcare sector. This initiative not only protects public health but also supports the nation’s climate objectives, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future.


This article originally appeared on Kitchen Table News

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