Article Summary –
The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) spotlighted two case studies showing how Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth have used the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to decrease carbon emissions. Boston Medical Center created a pilot program offering solar energy credits to patients, while OhioHealth used IRA tax incentives to fund electric vehicle charging stations in a rural area. These case studies are part of OCCHE’s ongoing Catalytic Program on Utilizing the IRA, aiming to connect safety net health care providers with IRA funding for energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental justice.
The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity Highlights Green Initiatives
The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) has published two case studies, showing how Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth, two non-profit healthcare providers, are utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to reduce their carbon footprint. The case studies offer a roadmap for similar healthcare organizations to leverage the IRA to promote health equity and mitigate climate-related health impacts.
The case studies detail Boston Medical Center’s innovative solar energy credits program for patients and OhioHealth’s use of IRA tax incentives to install electric vehicle charging stations in a rural community.
These cases are part of OCCHE’s Catalytic Program, which aims to access IRA funds for energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental justice. The program helps healthcare providers lower pollution levels and improve their resilience to emergencies.
The case studies also emphasize lessons learned and tips on how to propose similar green initiatives to organizational leadership. In addition, the Catalytic Program includes free webinars and a Quickfinder tool outlining key IRA programs and policies.
ADM Rachel L. Levine, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health, emphasized the potential of the IRA to save hospitals money while reducing environmental health burdens. She acknowledged the crucial role of OCCHE in educating healthcare providers about the possibilities of the IRA to reduce climate impact and safeguard public health.
John M. Balbus, MD, MPH, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate Change and Health Equity, highlighted the importance of the health sector in reducing its carbon emissions, which currently stands at approximately 8.5% of the US total. He encouraged more healthcare providers to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Catalytic Program.
OCCHE plans to release more case studies throughout the year, building on those providers, including Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth, who showcased their IRA-utilizing plans in the Catalytic Program’s webinar series.
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