Sustainability in Healthcare

Melanie Stewart from the UNMC and Nebraska Medicine Office of Sustainability will discuss sustainability’s connection to health and wellbeing at the next Olson Center Brown Bag Lecture from noon to 1 p.m. on Mar. 19 in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.

Many think of sustainability as “being green” or “saving the environment” but being sustainable directly relates to your health. It’s a connection that can be easily overlooked, but directly impacts your daily life.  As part of our healthcare mission, we can take many actions to make a difference in the health of ourselves, our family, and future patients; thus creating a healthy future for all.

“The misconception that we are working to save some other place creates a lot of confusion” Stewart said, “Sustainability is directly tied to human health, our health, and healthy outcomes; directly tied to our mission of ‘creating a healthy future for all’”.

Stewart never planned on being a public speaker but the Med Center’s ambitious goals, strides towards achieving them, and the emphasis on health has challenged that part of her path.

In addition to the Olson Center Brown Bag, Stewart spoke at last fall’s Omaha Women’s Health and Wellness Conference, MAPA’s “Closing the Gap” panel discussion on transportation, and to the Midtown Business Association.  This spring she will also speak to a few other companies (primarily their wellness teams), and will be on a panel at the Nebraska Climate Conference in Lincoln.

“I’m honored to be asked, and appreciate the opportunity to not only help people understand the connection to health, but also to share our progress.  Our mission states that we want to “lead the world” and we are—what we have been able to cost-effectively accomplish puts us in rarified air with other hospitals and medical centers and certainly distinguishes us regionally.” Stewart said.

Stewart encourages anyone who wants to know more about the connection of sustainability and health to reach out.

Nursing credit is available for the Olson Center Brown Bag, see Upcoming Events for complete details.