NORTHFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Medline released its inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report today, highlighting its dedication to improving the communities in which its employees and customers live and work. Medline, the only medical supply distribution source that directly services the entire continuum of care, has more than tripled its CSR efforts in the past five years.
“Innovation, integrity and impact are ingrained in our company’s roots,” says Francesca Olivier, manager, corporate social responsibility, Medline. “Our corporate social responsibility strategy directly aligns with these principles and this report allows us to share how we bring these values to life through action.”
Medline extends its mission as a strategic business partner to healthcare systems by improving the quality of people’s lives and the environment. From sustainability and outreach to helping underserved communities and working to eradicate breast cancer, programs are designed to support three core pillars:
- Medical Relief
- Sustainability
- Community Impact
Medical Relief
Access to quality healthcare is not always attainable in every community. Medline is uniquely positioned to help as a global manufacturer and distributor of healthcare supplies and products. The company has teamed with Project C.U.R.E., the largest nonprofit organization in the world providing customized, donated medical supplies, equipment and related program services to hospitals and clinicians in the developing world, to help make a difference.
- 2016: Donated $770,000 of medical products and equipment through a surplus medical supply program.
- 2017: Medical service trip to El Crucero, Nicaragua in which 17 employees will conduct health education on topics such as first aid, hand hygiene and nutrition. Medline medical kits containing vital supplies also will be developed and provided.
Sustainability
In 2016, Medline successfully diverted more than 8.9 million pounds of waste from landfills. The company also drove greater impact by growing its sustainable product portfolio and bringing single-use medical devices back to “like new,” through medical device reprocessing. In three years alone, the company’s ReNewal program kept 1.1 million pounds of waste out of landfills.
The company’s first solar-powered distribution center in North America is now live in Tracy, California. This installation represents:
- $2 million investment on top of one of the company’s largest distribution centers, estimated to offset approximately 65 percent of the facility’s annual electricity usage.
- Largest commercial/industrial project in the Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) utility system with more than 3,000 solar panels.
- Medline’s third solar installation, with two previously turned on in Japan and Germany.
- Expansion of Medline’s renewable portfolio which includes nearly 20 U.S. distribution centers that are LEED certified or pending approval, and two facilities running on geothermal energy.
“As leaders in the healthcare industry, we have a responsibility to help preserve the planet and improve it for generations to come,” says Olivier. “Solar is a clean and renewable source of energy that allows Medline to contribute to the health of the Tracy area while driving cost savings for customers and the company.”
Community Impact
Medline has supported the early detection and prevention of breast cancer for more than a decade. According to the National Cancer Institute, one in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Medline commitment includes:
- $2 million donated to breast cancer charities.
- Executed an annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign since 2005, including international Pink Glove Dance video competitions and a European Pink Glove photo competition.
- Newly formed, national partnership with Susan G. Komen to support its bold goal to reduce U.S. breast cancer deaths by 50 percent by 2026.
In addition, Medline supports regional and local non-profits dedicated to combating heart disease and diabetes.
“In our business with customers, we are more than a vendor or supplier – we focus on driving impact and outcomes. This is just as true in our approach to our support of healthcare causes,” says Karen Frey, manager, philanthropy, Medline. “By creating more strategic opportunities to address these common yet preventable diseases, we can drive even greater impact for our colleagues, customers and communities.”
To learn more about Medline’s impact to date, download the full 2017 CSR report by visiting https://www.medline.com/pages/about-us/social-responsibility/.
About Medline
Medline is a global manufacturer and distributor serving the healthcare industry with medical supplies and clinical solutions that help customers achieve both clinical and financial success. Headquartered in Northfield, Ill., the company offers 350,000+ medical devices and support services through more than 1,200 direct sales representatives who are dedicated points of contact for customers across the continuum of care. For more information on Medline, go to www.medline.com or http://www.medline.com/social-media to connect with Medline on its social media channels.
