Providence Oregon hospitals earn national recognition for environmental stewardship work

PORTLAND, Ore. — All eight Providence hospitals in Oregon have been honored by Practice Greenhealth, one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability.

The entire Providence organization was also designated as a System of Change during Practice Greenhealth’s annual Environmental Excellence Awards.

“The pride we take in our Mission to help create healthier communities is deeply reflected in our passion for protecting the environment at each of our Oregon hospitals,” said Jennifer Burrows, chief executive, Providence Oregon. “The people we serve who have climate-sensitive health conditions, who are disadvantaged or are poor, are disproportionately affected by climate changes. Through important programs, services and activities, our caregivers are continuing to represent Providence as champions for the environment and for health equity.”

Providence Seaside Hospital earned a Circle of Excellence Award, which celebrates the top scoring hospitals nationwide in each category of sustainability. Providence Seaside also earned a Greenhealth Emerald Award, which is focused on advanced sustainability and exemplary scores in a range of categories.

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland earned a Greenhealth Emerald Award, as well as a Greening the OR Recognition Award for work toward reducing the impact of the surgical environment.

Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Providence Medford Medical Center, Providence Milwaukie Hospital, Providence Newberg Medical Center, Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center each earned a Greenhealth Partner for Change Award, recognizing superior performance in environmental sustainability. 

“Over the last few years, Providence has taken major steps forward in integrating climate resiliency into our operations and culture,” said Beth Schenk, Providence chief environmental stewardship officer. “There’s been a groundswell of energy and excitement around environmental stewardship, and I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made toward carbon negative by 2030. I’m deeply grateful for the support we’ve received throughout our family of organizations in service to our vision of health for a better world.”

Providence totaled 55 Environmental Excellence Awards across 30 U.S. hospitals in 2024, including:

Greenhealth System for Change Award
Providence

Circles of Excellence Awards
Providence Seaside Hospital

Greenhealth Emerald Award
Providence Seaside Hospital
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center

Greenhealth Partner for Change Award
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital
Providence Medford Medical Center
Providence Milwaukie Hospital
Providence Newberg Medical Center
Providence Portland Medical Center
Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center

Greening the OR Recognition
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center