'Improving the health of those we serve': Mansfield Hospital praised by federal officials

OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital has been praised by the federal government.

The hospital’s electric vehicle charging stations were highlighted in a case study published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

OhioHealth built the charging stations with funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, according to a news release prepared by Katie Lowe, the health system's media and public relations manager.

The project caught the attention of Rachel L. Levine, assistant secretary for health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"OhioHealth is showing its peers the power of the Inflation Reduction Act to save hospitals money and reduce environmental health burdens at the same time," Levine said. "The law offers unprecedented opportunities for health care providers and other nonprofits to make long-term investments that reduce their climate impact and protect public health."

The station provides free electric vehicle charging during the day and charges hospital cars during the night.

"It also serves as an incentive for physicians using electric vehicles to commute to a rural hospital like Mansfield Hospital," the news release reads.

Offering free charging stations to the community aligns with OhioHealth's Climate Pledge, which aims to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. The health systems plant to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Building sustainable infrastructure for the community is one way Mansfield Hospital is caring for its community, according to Dr. Curt Gingrich, president of OhioHealth Mansfield and Shelby Hospitals.

"Improving the health of those we serve is a mission that involves hospital care, outpatient care and creation care," Gingrich said. "We are proud to support the development of a sustainable infrastructure for our associates, providers and community."

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