Intermountain’s Supply Chain Organization has changed its sourcing process to be more inclusive of local, diverse, and sustainable suppliers. The Supply Chain is building relationships with suppliers whose methods translate to community and environmental stewardship through economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Mikelle Moore
As a member of the Healthcare Anchor Network, Intermountain is working to improve community health by leveraging assets through hiring, purchasing of products and services, and investment opportunities.
“Factors outside our hospital walls—social, economic, environmental, and behavior-related—account for up to 80 percent of the health outcomes a community experiences,” says Mikelle Moore, senior vice president and chief community health officer. “No matter how excellent the clinical care our hospitals provide, more is needed for the communities we serve to thrive.”
John Wright
One way the Supply Chain is helping communities thrive is by sourcing products from minority women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) locally. “When a minority-owned business qualifies to become an Intermountain supplier, we have an opportunity to not only contract for a long-term partnership with this group, but also to build up our own communities,” says John Wright, vice president of supply chain and support services.
Intermountain also works with these suppliers to ensure their products promote health and places of healing. Intermountain wants suppliers who use ethical practices, as well as design products and packaging that minimize waste, energy, water use, and avoid using chemicals of concern.
Glen Garrick
“We’re identifying products we purchase that contain chemicals of concern, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and DEHP, which is the chemical that adds flexibility to plastics,” says Glen Garrick, sustainability director. “If our suppliers are using these kinds of chemicals, the Supply Chain is working with them to identify alternative products.”
Learn more about the Supply Chain’s inclusive efforts with their suppliers. If you’re aware of any local, diverse, or sustainable suppliers that would like to work with Intermountain, please have them register with the Supply Chain.