Washington
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Progress Report: Better Food Systems in Hospitals
The shift toward fresh, local, and sustainable foods in hospital cafeterias and patient meals is setting national standards for excellence that will save both lives and livelihoods. Washington’s Healthy Food in Health Care Initiative accomplished a great deal during 2011. We hosted a national conference, toured sustainable farms and shared ideas on how hospitals can change the direction of healthcare food systems. More institutions signed our Healthy Food in Health Care Pledge and Overlake Hospital was the first in the state to create a comprehensive sustainable food purchasing policy. WPSR’s funding for the Healthy Food in Health Care comes from the international non-profit Health Care without harm. San Francisco PSR and Oregon PSR also work on HFHC.
Read the WA HFHC newsletter -
WPSR in Gaza November 2011
When several members of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility visited this fall, they delivered needed medicine, medical care and equipment to the community of Gaza. “Gaza is largely a human made situation. Our goal is to be part of a human-made solution,” says Rich Grady. “Through our efforts to help, treat and inspire health care providers and families there.” Limited jobs, movement that is prohibited in and out of Gaza and steadily increasing environmental pollution places the community in a critical medical situation.
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Washington Takes Giant Step Towards Being Free From Coal
WPSR partnered with other groups to schedule a shut down date for the Trans Alta coal plant. The Canadian owned plant is Washington’s last coal-fired power plant. While providing only 20% of the state's power, it is the state's largest point source of mercury, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide pollution. The Trans Alta coal plant releases 2.3 million tons of coal ash each year, which is comprised of several toxic chemicals including arsenic, lead, barium and chromium.
Read the Bill -
Kids Are Safer: Landmark Toxics Rule
The rule implements the Children’s Safe Product Act, passed previously by the Washington legislature. “Nurses across the state are thrilled to see our government step up to the plate to protect children’s health”, said Karen Bowman, RN, Member, WPSR Board of Directors and Environmental Health Specialist, Washington State Nurses Association.
Overview of the law
This is the first-of its-kind rule in the U.S.
Focus Areas
- Energy and Peace
Disarmament. A decade after the end of the Cold War, the world carried the burden of over 30,000 nuclear weapons into the new millennium.
More on Energy and Peace » - Hanford Nuclear Reservation
Founded in 1980, WPSR alerted the public that no meaningful medical response exists to nuclear war, and that "prevention is the only cure."
More on Hanford Nuclear Reservation »
Latest Blog Post
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"For children's sake, move away from coal!"
"According to “Coal’s Assault on Human Health,” a report by Physicians for Social Responsibility, coal pollutants have been linked to four of the five leading causes of death in our nation, including cancer, stroke, heart disease and chronic lower respiratory diseases. As leaders in our state debate the future of TransAlta, they must take the health impacts of coal seriously and insist that the plant transition off coal as soon as possible." Read more »
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Latest News & Events
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"Particles on the Wall" Opening Reception Thursday January 26th, Odegaard Library
December 15, 2011
WPSR’s traveling exhibit to be on display at the University of Washington from January 9th to March 29th.
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Toxics Poster Now Available in Arabic!
December 15, 2011
History of toxics poster now available in Arabic.
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“No Thank You” to Genetically Modified Organisms
December 9, 2011
FoodMed 2011 offers presentations on compelling and cutting edge topics linking food to human health.
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The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster - One Year Later
March 11, 2012
What do we know? What are we not being told? What is the truth about the impact on our health and the environment? A day of inquiry into local/global health, environmental & economic consequences.
Support PSR Washington!
Join us in building a healthy environment and promoting sensible security policies. Make a donation to PSR Washington today
Action Alerts
- Ask your Senator to Support the Children's Safe Products Act!
As you read this the chemical and toy industries are fighting tooth and nail to block legislation that would help prevent diseases like childhood cancer. Our only chance of moving forward this year is to rally around the Senate bill. We can still win protections for Washington’s children, but, not if we stay silent.
- Health Professionals DEMAND More Stringent Regulation of Toxic Chemicals!
The Children's Safe Product Act of 2008 set the stage for making Washington State one of the toughest concerning toxic chemicals. Now, in 2011, it's time to take the next step. Sign on in support of more stringent regulation of toxic chemicals!
More action alerts»
Resources
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Pediatric Environmental Health Toolkit
The Toolkit is a combination of easy-to-use reference guides for health providers and user-friendly health education materials on preventing exposures to toxic chemicals and other substances that affect infant and child health. Read more »