Health system recognized for integrating nature into patient care

Health

May 5

Corewell Health has been named a Tree Campus Healthcare Institution by the Arbor Day Foundation. It is the only health system in Michigan's Lower Peninsula that has received the designation. Four Corewell Health hospitals have been recognized for their dedication and understanding of trees' vital role in human health.

Research studies, like those shared by the National Library of Medicine and the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, have demonstrated the benefits of trees and other plants for human health, including stress reduction, improved cardiovascular function, and faster recovery times.

Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital has earned this designation for six consecutive years, and Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital for four straight years. Corewell Health Pennock Hospital and Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital have achieved this recognition for the first time.

"This recognition highlights the hard work and dedication of our teams in understanding and implementing the positive impact of nature on overall health," said Greg Cole, Director of Facilities Operations, Corewell Health. "By bringing elements of nature, such as trees, into and around our hospitals, we are creating more positive and supportive environments for our patients, team members, and guests."

Corewell Health hospitals qualified for the Tree Campus Healthcare designation by maintaining tree advisory committees, developing and implementing facility tree care plans, completing community forestry projects, and educating communities about the importance of trees.

As part of its commitment to the community, Corewell Health distributes hundreds of tree seedlings to patients, visitors and team members on Arbor Day, encouraging the community to participate in this initiative. This year, 2,000 tree seedlings were shared on April 25 across the four hospitals.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. Its Tree Campus Healthcare program aims to transform community health and wellness and save lives through the health benefits trees provide.