Atrium Health: First to win Tree Campus Healthcare honors

The Arbor Day Foundation has named Atrium Health a Tree Campus Healthcare facility, one of only 16 systems in the nation to earn the honor.

This one-of-a-kind program aims to transform community health and wellness and ultimately save lives through the health benefits provided by trees, as well as recognize healthcare institutions that make an impact on wellness through tree planting, education and community engagement.

Atrium Health is among the first participants to earn recognition in the Foundation’s first year of the program. To receive Tree Campus Healthcare recognition, Atrium Health had to meet five program standards:

• Create a tree advisory committee
• Draft a facility tree care plan
• Undertake a community forestry project 
• Host a celebration event
• Commit to a financial investment toward a tree care plan or projects.

Atrium Health (formerly Carolinas HealthCare System) has been a long-time supporter of TreesCharlotte since the non-profit’s start in 2012, investing more than $130,000 in Charlotte’s canopy. In addition, Dr. Mary Hall, Chief Academic Officer and Senior Vice President of Medical Education at Atrium Health, sits on TreesCharlotte’s board of directors. 

“Trees provide a vital resource for our community’s health,” said Jennifer Sellers, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Atrium Health. “This recognition is important for educating our teammates and community members about the connections between human and environmental health.”

Did you know that …

• One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people
• Employees with views/access of trees experience 23% less sick time and greater job satisfaction
• Trees in Charlotte reduce the heat stress for city dwellers by 15-25 degrees