FAQ
Q: Why is it important for health care institutions to be viewed as "green"?
A: Health care institutions are a powerful symbol of health and recognized community leaders. Health care professionals have an ethical responsibility, embodied in the Hippocratic Oath, to "above all, do no harm". It is incompatible with the mission of institutions devoted to healing to be significant consumers of resources and sources of environmental harm through air and wastewater emissions, hazardous and solid waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions and toxic chemical usage. Thus, being green has a symbolic and practical significance for any health care institution.
Q: How does the Coalition communicate?
A: The Coalition is a virtual organization that communicates through e-mail and an e-mail list serv. Working groups (constellations) collaborate and meet periodically on specific areas of interest. The CCGHC also publishes newsletter on a periodic basis. Members are encouraged to contribute their success stories and news items to the editor
Q: Is the Coalition a registered non-profit organization?
A: The Coalition is currently a virtual organization; it is not formally registered or incorporated. However, it is most definitely non-profit and does accept monetary donations. Contact our Partnership Director for details.
Q: How is the Coalition funded?
A: The Coalition relies on financial and in-kind donations from our members and project grants from government and non-profit funding bodies. In August 2009, our work was honoured by a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario.
Q: Who can be a member?
A: Membership in the Coalition is currently open to non-profit health, environmental and related organizations and health care facilities. In addition, the Coalition is committed to working with members of the private sector who share our values and goals. Volunteers are currently working on the development of formal Coalition membership guidelines.
Q: How do I/we become a member?
A: To become a member organization of the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care, you must endorse our Vision, Mission and Goal Statements. Membership is currently open to non-profit health, environmental and other organizations and health care facilities. There is currently no cost involved in being a member, however this is currently under revision. Contact us at feedback@greenhealthcare.ca for a copy of our draft letter of registration.