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Develop
a State H2E Program
H2E has a host of tools and resources designed to aid you in developing a state-level H2E program. Below is a series of steps some states have followed in beginning their programs. H2E encourages you to contact our State Partnership Program Coordinator for guidance and strategic assistance during this process.
In this Section:
Setting Up the Team
Ideally, a state should set up a ‘committee’ of organizations to work together to address environmental issues in the state. While there are a number of organization types that could or should be included in these teams, typically, the state pollution prevention agency and the state hospital association are key initial players.
State hospital associations are arguably the most important stakeholder in a state-level network. As the trade association for H2E’s target audience —hospitals in a particular state—state hospital associations are positioned to be the best conduit of information to hospitals, as well as a voice hospitals know and trust for guidance. State agencies also have a vested interest in developing a collaborative relationship with the healthcare community, which in turn makes it easier to provide compliance assistance and achieve measurable reductions in waste and resource use.
List of Potential Stakeholders
State H2E programs often involve a variety of diverse organizations that are concerned about the environmental impact of the healthcare sector. Below is a list of potential stakeholders for a State H2E program. Check out our resource on Building a Multi-Stakeholder Approach for more information on the suggested roles each of these organization might play in the development and support of a State H2E program.
Kick-off the State H2E Program
Often a kick off event such as an introductory workshop or training can provide the forum to launch a state network, and find out which issues are the most pressing for hospitals in the area. These events can be organized quickly and cost-effectively, and are the best way to introduce the collaborative nature of the program . H2E will be happy to work with you to organize an agenda, provide ideas on how to market the event and strategize on follow-up. Contact H2E’s State Partnership Program Coordinator for assistance. Check out sample introductory workshop agendas from other states for guidance.
Recruitment
State H2E programs strive to sign facilities up as H2E Partners - in an effort to get them committed to the program, as well as move them along a continuum toward ongoing improvements. It is important to reach out/ follow-up with healthcare facilities after the introductory event. Often, this takes the form of an email blast or mailing that includes marketing material and highlights upcoming events or trainings. Check out sample marketing letters for State H2E mailings. Recruitment can also take place by having someone attend and present on H2E and environmental programs at different meetings and conferences across the state. Check in with different stakeholders to find out conference and meeting schedules.
Next Steps: Different Models for Different States
Quarterly roundtables have been a highly successful model to begin to develop the program infrastructure. Roundtables are educational forums in which hospitals can network, share ideas and strategies, receive training or compliance assistance, and showcase successful programs. In many states, the roundtables are hosted by the actual healthcare facilities, thereby effectively moving the meeting location around the state, as well as providing an opportunity for facility tours. In larger states, it may make sense to divide that state into regions or set up several concurrent roundtables in different metropolitan areas. For more information on how to set up roundtables, their benefits and associated costs, click here.
Additional Ideas for Building State Infrastructure
- Hold monthly or quarterly calls with stakeholder group or ‘steering committee’ for planning purposes: to set goals for program, touch base on ways and opportunities to network, and develop and identify relevant resources for hospitals and healthcare professionals.
- Set up a state-specific email list or listserv for hospitals to share information and resources locally.
- Set state-specific goals for facilities in the state, and organize trainings, teleconferences and technical assistance in support of the goals.
- Develop content, updates and resources for the State H2E webpage. Some state programs opt to host their own state-specific webpage, while others use the State H2E Map, and update the page regularly to include their specific information. Work with H2E to implement whatever works best for the state program.
- Make sure each partnering organization has a readily accessible link to H2E on their website.
- Develop state-specific tools for healthcare sector or modify existing state P2 tools so that they focus on the healthcare sector, and make available to participants on website.
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