The Arbor Day Foundation launched its new Tree Campus Healthcare program.
The program is made possible through financial support from professional partner Davey Tree and the collaboration of the Professional Grounds Management Society, Practice Greenhealth and the USDA Forest Service.
“Healthy trees generate so many benefits for both healthcare campuses and the communities they serve,” said Sandra Reid, vice president of corporate communications and strategic planning administration at The Davey Tree Expert Co. “Davey Tree understands this and so do our clients. We support Tree Campus Healthcare because we want trees and natural landscapes to reach their maximum potential so we can all feel the impacts of those benefits.”
The Tree Campus Healthcare recognition program connects inpatient healthcare facilities of all sizes with local community forestry programs to better human health outcomes, while improving the extent and condition of community forests. Facilities in the U.S. delivering inpatient healthcare services are eligible for Tree Campus Healthcare recognition, including hospitals, senior care and other residential rehabilitation centers.
To receive Tree Campus Healthcare Recognition, eligible facilities will conduct planning and activities that fulfill the five program standards throughout the calendar year. Those standards include the formation of an advisory committee, development of a tree care plan, participation in a community forestry project, sponsorship of a celebration event or education campaign and a suggested commitment to financial investment in tree projects, education events and/or community outreach.
“Tree Campus Healthcare will shine a light on healthcare facilities leading the way to advance human health and wellness through trees,” said Dan Lambe, president, Arbor Day Foundation. “The program seeks to help raise awareness about the importance of trees — not only for the environmental benefits they provide but also for the pivotal role they can play in the global future of health.”
Find more information or apply here. Applications for facilities wishing to receive Tree Campus Healthcare recognition will be accepted through Dec. 31.
