In this edition: Three green resolutions for 2023, an invitation to nurses and PAs to join an environmental interest group, and a spotlight on champions Mary Dunn and Michele MacDonald-Werstuck.

If promoting environmental sustainability is on your list of new year’s resolutions for 2023, the Green Initiative has got you covered. Start small, with one patient or goal, then see what happens! Here are three ideas:

• Suggest our plant-rich eating group to one patient.
• Work with your team to develop a fun way to celebrate patients who quit smoking (Ring a bell? Hand out stickers? Start a plaque?).
• Deprescribe one MDI (within guidelines).

Have a resolution of your own? Email it to us and we’ll feature it in an upcoming newsletter, so you can inspire all of us.

Registered Nurses Natalie Poret (left) and Megan Briggs (right).

"Can we start a Nursing and Physician Assistant Community of Practice for environmental sustainability?"

Yes! Calling all green-leaning RNs, NPs, PAs and RPNs in Hamilton, Haldimand and Niagara Northwest: You asked for your own environmental team, and Hamilton FHT RNs Natalie Poret and Megan Briggs are putting it together. This community will be gathering virtually for the first time on Tuesday, February 28 from noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom. Together, we can forge relationships, share passion, and improve patient care. Come to our first meeting to check it out– and don’t forget to invite your nursing and PA colleagues!

Registered Dietitian Michele MacDonald-Werstuck and Certified Respiratory Educator Mary Dunn.

Our new year’s shout-out is to Mary Dunn, R.N, C.R.E., and Michele MacDonald-Werstuck, Registered Dietitian, both from the Hamilton FHT. Their commitment to environmental topics within patient groups is making a real difference for patients and the planet and their reminders at town halls ensure these green goals stay top-of-mind for our teams.

Mary and Michele have been essential to developing and supporting two patient groups: Smoking Cessation (for Hamilton FHT patients) and Plant-Rich Eating (open for self-referral for any patient in Canada).

Do you know a green champion in primary care? We would love to hear about them!

"One day I will be an ancestor and I want to leave a legacy for my grandchildren so they know I worked hard to ensure they had a future."

- Autumn Peltier

Green Initiative Website

Edition 22 | January 25, 2023