The White House has named 11 people as "Champions of Change" for public health and environmental protection issues, and one of those champions is Jeff Thompson, MD, CEO of Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis.
The Champions of Change program highlights individual Americans "who are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities," according to a release from the White House Office of Communications.
Tomorrow, the Obama administration will honor 11 people who specifically have taken steps to cut carbon pollution, protect public health and raise community awareness on the effects of climate change and climate-related health consequences.
Dr. Thompson leads Gundersen, an integrated health system that has set a goal of becoming completely energy independent by next year by focusing on energy, waste management and sustainable design initiatives.
Gary Cohen, co-founder and president of Health Care Without Harm, Practice Greenhealth and the Healthier Hospitals Initiative, was also named a public health and climate Champion of Change.
More Articles on Hospital Leaders:
Nuclei of Local Healthcare: 5 Steps for Community Hospitals to Become Great
125 Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know
5 Things the Most Extraordinary Hospital CEOs Do