JOINT BASE LEWIS-McChord, Wash. -- Madigan Healthcare System and the City of Tacoma have become linked together through Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Community Connections Program. Commander Col. Jerry Penner III and Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland held an inaugural Community Connections meeting Aug. 11 to inform her about the hospital and its many achievements. Penner also recently attended the Metro Parks Tacoma Ethnic Fest in early August. Since March 2000, the Community Connections Program has been building ties with surrounding communities by partnering 15 major Army units with a local municipality. The program's goals are designed to increase interaction between military and local communities, enhance understanding of the Army and JBLM and develop and maintain strong and positive community partnerships. "Many of Madigan's employees live in Tacoma, and our zip code address is Tacoma," Penner said. "This partnership will bring growth and development to Tacoma and merge together both of our interests in being environmental stewards and technological champions." Madigan has received national awards for its technology and environmental achievements. The health care system has been named Hospitals & Health Networks "100 Most Wired" hospitals for the past several years. In May, Madigan was awarded The Partner for Change, With Distinction Award from Practice Greenhealth, which recognizes health care facilities that have achieved improvements in their mercury elimination, waste reduction and pollution prevention programs. Tacoma invested in technology by installing 700 miles of fiber optic cable underneath its streets, thus setting it apart from other major cities as being technologically-friendly. Tacoma is home to open space and open water, recycling, green buildings and more. The Green Tacoma Partnership works to engage the Tacoma community in the restoration and maintenance of viable, healthy natural spaces by connecting stewardship groups, providing resources and training, and organizing public outreach. The next major community event between Madigan and Tacoma will be the Stadium Bowl Sept. 17. The Stadium Bowl is the football field for Stadium High School, the namesake of Stadium High School, in the Stadium District. The Bowl is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Penner will be speaking to the assembled crowd and participating in a parade as part of the festivities.
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