Cypress Creek Transforms Hospital for Better Patient and Environmental Health

HOUSTON – (March 10, 2010) – Cypress Creek Hospital, a Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. (PSI) facility, kicked off National Nutrition Month by announcing its decision to become a “green” facility.

Cypress Creek will focus on “four R’s” to make the hospital more patient and environmentally friendly: Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Respect. For example, individuals will be encouraged to reduce waste and excess paper, to reuse supplies, to recycle plastics and office equipment and to respect patients, staff and the environment.

“Our decision to become ‘green’ is about identifying opportunities to be more climate-minded and tracking accomplishments to keep up with our progress,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr. Brian Brooker. “The culture is changing here at Cypress Creek. We want to expose patients, as well as our staff, to an all-around healthy environment.”

As part of the environmental initiative, Cypress Creek will modify several food options available in the cafeteria and around the hospital. There will be fewer caffeinated beverages in vending machines, reduced amounts of sodium in meals, and fried and processed foods will be removed from menus. Additionally, the facility has introduced biodegradable items, such as flatware made of corn starch and to-go containers made of sugar cane.

The facility’s underutilized outdoor pool will be transformed into an organic greenhouse, which will be used to engage patients in therapeutic and educational activities. Produce from the garden will be served in the cafeteria and patients will be able to suggest recipes using those items. The facility will also work with local vendors to support the community and provide sustainably grown local food.

“Being in a good state of mind includes focusing on mental and physical health,” said Susan Somers, director of dietary services. “Food choices play an important role in overall health and patients will literally be able to see the fruits of their labor.”

A local distributor has partnered with Cypress Creek to provide tumblers to reduce the hospital’s use of plastic water bottles and plastic foam cups. Cypress Creek will also establish on/off timers for lighting and install digital signs.

About Cypress Creek Hospital
Cypress Creek Hospital is a fully accredited 96-bed hospital dedicated to providing quality care and assistance for individuals and families in need of psychiatric care and treatment for substance abuse. The Houston facility offers the community a broad range of inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient services for adolescents and adults. For more information, please visit www.cypresscreekmediapsi.com

About Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. (PSI)
Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. offers an extensive continuum of behavioral health programs to critically ill children, adolescents and adults and is the largest operator of owned or leased freestanding psychiatric inpatient facilities with more than 11,000 beds in 32 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. PSI also manages freestanding psychiatric inpatient facilities for government agencies and psychiatric inpatient units within medical/surgical hospitals owned by others. For more information, please visit www.mediapsi.com

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