Jefferson Medical Center announces initiative to eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages
RANSON, W.Va. - A small hospital is taking a large step to lead West Virginia toward a path to better health. WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital, will be eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages.
“Sugar-sweetened beverages are the leading source of added sugar in the American diet and the biggest driver of our state and nation’s obesity epidemic, as well as diabetes and so many other chronic health problems,” Mark Cucuzzella, M.D., family medicine physician and professor at the WVU School of Medicine, said. “If we want to improve the overall health of our communities, it must start with us in the healthcare community.”
Beginning in April, Jefferson Medical Center will no longer sell sugar-sweetened beverages in food services or vending and will not routinely serve them to hospital patients. These items include regular soda, sugar-added fruit juices, sugar-sweetened teas, sugar-added energy drinks, and flavored milks.
Visitors and patients will still have options as the following items will be available: diet and zero-calorie soda, 100 percent fruit juice, unsweetened teas, regular and decaffeinated coffee, all types of unflavored milk, and water, including zero calorie flavored waters.
“As a healthcare organization, our goal is to provide the best care to our patients, staff, and visitors,” Neil McLaughlin, vice president of operations, said. “By offering only healthy beverage options, we have a tremendous opportunity to positively impact the health and wellbeing of our entire community.”
The World Health Organization recommends individuals consume no more than six teaspoons of added sugar a day. On average, Americans consume about 20 teaspoons per day. One 12-ounce can of regular soda contains nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar.
“Jefferson Medical Center has already made significant patient, community, and staff change with using food as medicine and promoting healthy diets for those wishing to prevent and reverse metabolic illnesses, such as diabetes and obesity,” WVU Medicine Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Health Director and WVU School of Medicine Eastern Campus Dean Emma Eggleston, M.D., M.P.H., said.
According to Linda Blanc, R.N., administrative director patient care services, the sugar-free beverage initiative is very timely for the nursing staff at Jefferson Medical Center as it aligns with this year’s National Nurses Week theme.
“Our theme this year is 'Nurses Inspire, Innovate, and Influence.' As nursing professionals, we are all excited to be a part of this innovative project to demonstrate our support of efforts to improve the health of our patients, staff, and community,” Blanc said.
The elimination of sugar-sweetened beverages within the health system is part of an ongoing commitment by Jefferson Medical Center and WVU Medicine to create healthier communities inside and outside the healthcare facilities. Future plans at Jefferson Medical Center include further work to increase healthier food options for patients, families, and staff.