CSA Sustainability Newsletter - California Society of Anesthesiologists

PREPARATIONS FOR THE DELEGATE JUNE MEETING

Our Sustainability Task Force is one of the most dynamic and proactive groups within the CSA, characterized by passionate members actively pushing for meaningful change in their institutions. As leaders in action and education on sustainability, we are at the forefront of efforts to address the existential threat of climate change. This challenge affects our patients, our lives, and our future.

We are excited to propose elevating our Task Force to committee status in the upcoming June Delegate Meeting. This transition reflects our commitment to long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes, recognizing that our challenges require sustained effort and dedication.

We will also vote on a resolution to join the Medical Consortium on Climate and Health. This collaboration is critical to amplifying our impact through legislative support and nationwide cooperation. California has always been a leader in sustainability, and as members of this multidisciplinary Consortium, we are poised to lead in healthcare sustainability as well.

This newsletter will guide you through these upcoming resolutions and detail how your involvement and vote can drive significant change. Together, we can profoundly impact, ensuring our collective actions resonate well beyond our capacities.

MEMBER ACTION THREE STEPS CHECKLIST

Please review the detailed proposals for elevating the Sustainability Task Force to committee status and joining the Medical Consortium on Climate and Health. If access is needed, please email the contact below.

Resolution CSA Taskforce to Committee Status
Resolution to join The Medical Society Consortium on Climate Health

Advocate and Lobby for the YES Vote on the Resolutions

Reach out to the delegate in your district to emphasize the importance of sustaining momentum for climate change action within our society. Stress the critical need for robust support from our society and its members to empower this task force effectively by establishing a committee and joining other society consortiums.

Engage on Social Media

Use your social media platforms to share information about the resolutions and why they are essential.

Collaborate with member projects, such as newsletter output, member highlights, infographics, media production, website development, webinars, and more. Email the contact below.

FIRST RESOLUTION: ELEVATE CSA SUSTAINABILITY TASK FORCE TO STANDING COMMITTEE

The first resolution on the docket elevates the CSA Sustainability Task Force to a full-standing committee within the organization. This move is a testament to the task force’s remarkable achievements in sustainability and underscores its pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future trajectory.

Through its dedicated efforts and strategic initiatives, the CSA Sustainability Task Force has successfully spearheaded numerous sustainability projects

within the organization. From implementing eco-friendly practices to promoting responsible resource management, the task force has been instrumental in driving positive change and fostering a culture of sustainability within the CSA.

Elevating the task force to a standing committee status signifies a significant milestone in recognizing its contributions and further empowering it to effect lasting change. As a standing committee, the task force will have enhanced authority, resources, and visibility to continue its impactful work on a broader scale.

The transition to a standing committee is expected to yield various benefits for the organization. It will ensure a sustained focus on sustainability efforts, facilitate greater collaboration with other committees, and strengthen the integration of sustainability principles into the CSA’s core operations. Moreover, by institutionalizing the task force’s role, the organization can better align its strategic objectives with sustainable practices and reinforce its commitment to environmental stewardship.

RESOLUTION SUBSECTION: JOINING THE MEDICAL CONSORTIUM ON CLIMATE AND HEALTH

The upcoming resolution also involves CSA’s decision to join the Medical Consortium on Climate and Health, reflecting a strategic commitment to address the intersection of climate change and public health. This partnership will enable CSA to leverage collaborative initiatives and collective expertise, enhancing its role in research, advocacy, and policy development related to health and climate.

Membership in the Consortium will bolster CSA’s capacity to influence policy, raise awareness on climate-related health issues, and facilitate meaningful change locally and globally.

Joining the Consortium will place CSA at the forefront of promoting climate resilience, sustainable healthcare practices, and community well-being. This move is a testament to CSA’s proactive approach to complex challenges and commitment to driving sustainable solutions and improving global health through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Check out the website: https://medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org/

FACTS not FEAR

Earth Day 2024: Theme and Impact of Plastics

Theme: “Planet vs. Plastics” aims to tackle the global plastic crisis by advocating for a significant reduction in plastic production and usage, emphasizing its severe impact on human and planetary health https://www.earthday.org/press-release/planet-vs-plasticsglobal-theme-for-earth-day-2024/
Reduction Goal: There is a target to achieve a 60% reduction in all plastic production by 2040 as part of this initiative .

Harmful Effects of Plastics

Environmental and Health Impact: Plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle, from production to disposal. They are also prominent in landfills and through incineration, causing further environmental damage .
Microplastics: These tiny particles result from the breakdown of more oversized plastic items and have been found in human tissues, including coronary artery plaques, correlating with adverse outcomes in heart attacks and strokes .

Marfella R, Prattichizzo F, Sardu C, et al. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. N Engl J Med. 2024;390(10):900-910. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2309822

Medical and Technological Advances

Low-Flow Sevoflurane Recommendations: Recent guidelines by the ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) and ASPS recommend low-flow sevoflurane. https://www.asahq.org/standards-and-practice-parameters/statement-on-the-use-of-low-gas-flows-for-sevoflurane

APSF Newsletter October 2017, p.50

Check out new closed-circuit machines:Dräger Zeus® Infinity® Empowered (IE) ventilator – the only closed-circuit ventilator available in North America.

CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS

In wrapping up this CSA Sustainability Newsletter Update edition, we have delved into crucial discussions surrounding sustainability within the organization and the broader healthcare landscape. The resolutions under consideration, from elevating the CSA Sustainability Task Force to joining the Medical Consortium on Climate and Health, underscore the pivotal role that members play in shaping the future trajectory of the CSA and advancing sustainability initiatives within the healthcare sector.

As we approach the final decision-making stages, we must reiterate the significance of member participation in voting. Your votes reflect not only your commitment to sustainability and public health but also a means to influence the organization’s direction actively. By casting your vote, you contribute to a collective effort to drive positive change and reinforce the CSA’s dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

The next issue of the CSA Sustainability Newsletter Update will delve into new developments, such as an in-depth discussion and review of the Pall Circuits for multi-use anesthesia circuits. Other initiatives and opportunities for members to engage in sustainability efforts will be highlighted. Also, we will be highlighting every member in our media section.

We encourage all members to remain actively involved, share their perspectives, and contribute their expertise as we collectively work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the CSA and the healthcare industry. Your ongoing support and dedication are essential in propelling us towards our shared goals of promoting sustainability, addressing climate change, and advancing public health.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the CSA and for being integral participants in our journey towards a more sustainable and healthier future. Together, we can make a lasting impact and create positive change that benefits our organization and our communities.

TO NEW OR CONSIDERING MEMBERS

Welcome to the CSA Healthcare Sustainability Group, where we uphold our Hippocratic oath to our patients and Planet Earth. We recognize that patient health and environmental health are fundamentally connected. This newsletter serves as an essential tool to keep you informed about the latest updates and key decisions within our organization.

We encourage every CSA member to read, pose questions, and share. Your feedback is invaluable in making informed decisions that advance our commitment to a sustainable and viable future.

Thank you for being so dedicated to our shared goals.

Carole Lin, MD (she/her)

Clinical Associate Professor, Pediatric Anesthesiology

Stanford University

Co-Chair CSA Taskforce of Sustainable Healthcare

Media highlight: YouTube Selection: