Hot summers in the South mean gearing up for high pollution alerts affecting the environment and, in turn, public health. Home Healthcare Partners (HHP), one of the fastest growing home healthcare networks in the region, is addressing this issue one car at a time. Expect to see HHP's field staff driving environmentally conscious vehicles early fall as the first 25 are slated to hit DFW roadways. Plans for the uniquely black and white stripped Ford Focus fleet will top 75 throughout the Lone Star state, and parts of Louisiana by the new year.

Rated as a top "Smartway" car by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, American made Ford Focus qualifies as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. It's maximum EPA rating earns it up to 35 miles a gallon assisting with rising gas prices. All of this is key considering greenhouse gases from car emissions are a major contributor to air pollution.

"Air pollution has been linked to cancer, asthma, and heart and lung disease, to name a few. It has also imposed several hundred million dollars annually in added health care costs," explains HHP Chief Executive Officer Wayne Bazzle, who co-founded the successful home healthcare business with wife Cheryl in 2003. The longtime Dallas couple has played an important role as consultants shaping the positive outcomes of both non-profit and for-profit medically driven companies in the area for the past 26 years. "Becoming more environmentally responsible through our work vehicles was a natural transition for us. Especially since one of the main goals of our business is addressing health concerns and alleviating costly hospital stays where possible. The adverse effects of pollution on our environment are just too great to ignore when you are a concerned healthcare company," adds Chief Operating Officer Cheryl. "We found that many of our field staff were driving SUVs adding an unnecessary strain on the environment and their pocket books. Now, by simply reducing car emissions, as a team we are taking an economical stand to fight urban pollution."

This is not the first time the Bazzles have set themselves apart from the competition. The couple works hard changing the face of home healthcare, consistently keeping HHP fresh and ahead of the curve. Recently the rapidly growing company incorporated an easy-to-use remote monitoring system that records daily vital signs for chronically ill patients. VitalPartners365™ allows early intervention of potential problems, and proactively reinforces behavior and lifestyle changes. "Bottom Line, we have seen a substantial reduction in emergency room visits and improved clinical outcomes for our patients," says Wayne.

Through 32 Medicare certified homecare offices, Home Healthcare Partners offers skilled nursing and therapy services to homebound patients often suffering from acute, chronic, or terminal illness; physical or cognitive disability; and other conditions that require skilled nursing and related services that cannot be provided effectively by family or friends. The company employs more than 900 professionals who provide a full range of homecare services including skilled nursing; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; attendant care; nutrition therapy; assistance with activities of daily living; medical social work; and patient and family education designed to promote recovery and facilitate independence and self care.

- Home Healthcare Partners
homehealthcarepartners.com.

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