Out of more than 1,600 participants, only about 260 organizations receive the Partner for Change Award each year

Sat, 08/09/2025 - 9:00am

Members of the Pen Bay and Waldo Hospital Sustainability Committee gathered in the Bay View Café at Pen Bay Hospital to accept a Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Award on Tuesday, Aug. 5. (Photo courtesy MaineHealth)

ROCKPORT and BELFAST — MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals have earned national recognition with the 2025 Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Awards, highlighting their strong commitment to environmental sustainability in health care.

Presented by Practice Greenhealth (PGH), the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable health care, the award honors hospitals that have made significant progress in reducing their environmental impact through comprehensive sustainability programs.

Sustainability initiatives at MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo hospitals include the installation of pipe and jacket insulation to reduce thermal energy loss, “Plant-Powered Mondays” to reduce meat purchases, and a systemwide recycling education and engagement program. These efforts reflect the hospitals’ commitment to environmental stewardship and to integrating sustainability into everyday operations.

MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo hospitals join MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Sanford, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital, MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital and MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in earning this award. Out of more than 1,600 participating Practice Greenhealth members nationwide, only about 260 organizations receive the Partner for Change Award each year.

"This recognition underscores MaineHealth’s commitment to advancing sustainability in healthcare," said MaineHealth.

“At MaineHealth PenBay and Waldo Hospitals, we believe that caring for our patients means also caring for the environment we all share,” said Tyson Thorton, PharmD, FACHE, vice president of operations at MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals. “This national recognition from Practice Greenhealth reflects the dedication of our teams at Pen Bay and Waldo Hospitals to advancing sustainability in health care — from reducing energy use to promoting healthier food choices. By taking action today, we’re helping build a healthier tomorrow for the communities we serve.”