BLOOMINGTON – The Arbor Day Foundation has named IU Health Bloomington at the Indiana University Regional Academic Health Center a Tree Campus Healthcare institution for showing its understanding of the vital role trees play in human health.
The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. Its Tree Campus Healthcare 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.
“Trees not only play a vital role in the environment but also in our daily lives,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive, of Arbor Day Foundation. “They have shown to improve patient recovery time and improve the overall mental state. The Tree Campus Healthcare program does an incredible job of bridging the gap between health and nature.”
IU Health Bloomington has earned recognition in the Foundation’s third year of the program. To receive Tree Campus Healthcare recognition, IU Health Bloomington met five program standards: have an advisory committee, facility tree care plan, community forestry project, a celebration event, and financial investment toward a tree care plan or projects.
“We knew from the beginning of our design process that trees and nature were going to be predominantly featured at the new hospital,” said Brian Shockney, IU Health South Central Region President. “Our Shades of Southern Indiana project brought trees into our halls through art and architectural features, contributing to our focus on caring for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our patients, visitors, and team members.”
Tree Campus Healthcare strives to improve human health outcomes by connecting inpatient healthcare facilities of all sizes with local community forestry programs while improving the extent and condition of the community forest. Facilities in the U.S. delivering inpatient healthcare services are eligible for Tree Campus Healthcare recognition, including hospitals, senior care, and other residential rehabilitation properties.
For more information or to apply, please visit www.treecampushealthcare.org.
About Indiana University Health
Named among the “Best Hospitals in America” by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Learn more at www.iuhealth.org.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities, and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. As one of the world’s largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners, and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
