MedShare Honored For Reducing Waste, Saving Lives

A nonprofit agency in San Leandro that surplus medical supplies to save lives has been honored for the environmental side-benefits of its work.

MedShare recently won Acterra's 2012 Business Environmental Award for innovation by devising an efficient way to keep medical waste out of landfills.

“We were able to divert an amazing 228 tons of surplus from local landfills in 2011,” said Chuck Haupt, Executive Director, MedShare’s Western Region in receiving the award.

Acterra’s Business Environmental Awards is one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s oldest and most prestigious environmental recognition programs, with a rigorous application and judging process to choose winners.

"By the time they are selected to receive our award, they have truly proven that their programs are 'setting the bar' in corporate environmental leadership," said Acterra's Selection Committee Chair Laura Teksler.

MedShare was recognized for its efficiency and scale. More than 30 Northern California hospitals participate in its innovative program to collect reusable equipment and supplies that would otherwise be discarded.

These supplies are redistributed to needy hospitals in developing countries as well as to community-based health clinics in California.

Meridith Rentz, MedShare's CEO & President, said that in its 14 years of existence, the organization has shipped 750 ocean-going, cargo containers of supplies to hospitals in 93 developing nations.

“This accounts for over two million cubic feet of landfill space saved," she said.

MedShare will be honored at the 2012 Business Environmental Awards Reception on Thursday, May 31st at the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto.

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