Update on GHSI
Recently, the decision was made to conclude the activities of the Global Health & Safety Initiative (GHSI) and dissolve the current organization. Formed in October 2007, GHSI was a network of leading health systems and other health partners that were committed to championing and implementing a sustainability and safety agenda within their health systems and communities.
The founding health systems and partners remain committed to the goals of GHSI, but they determined that there were more efficient and effective ways to achieve sector-wide leadership — particularly in light of today’s economic and political climate.
So, the plan is to fold the work into Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) and its sister organization, Practice Greenhealth (PGH), and make it an initiative of HCWH. This yet-to-be named initiative will continue to focus on patient, workplace, and community health and safety, but will focus more on the impact environmental sustainability has on patient and occupational safety.
The Center for Health Design is planning to continue to be involved in this initiative, as we believe there is a natural link between the evidence-based design process and sustainable building design — particularly as it relates to safety. For example, toxins and resource consumption can be reduced by choosing the right surface materials, air-handling systems, water processing systems, and lighting. In turn, research has shown that many of these design choices help decrease falls, infections and errors.
In the meantime, there are lots of good resources on sustainability and safety the GHSI document library, which will remain live until March 31. Check them out and watch this blog for more information on the “new” initiative.