Last week, Health Care Without Harm and Practice Greenhealth brought together more than 800 health care sustainability leaders at CleanMed – the premier health care sustainability conference.
Attendees engaged in unparalleled opportunities for peer collaboration and learning, gaining practical strategies, tools, and connections to accelerate progress toward their sustainability goals.
We also celebrated climate champions and highlighted the momentum toward a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future – with health care leading the way.
Check out our heroes and highlights:
Launching the CARES pledge
Health Care Without Harm launched the Health Sector CARES (Climate Action, Resilience, and Equity Solutions) Pledge, a voluntary commitment by health sector organizations to reduce their environmental impact and plan for climate resilience. By pledging to reduce environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency, emergency preparedness, and resilience, your organization advances the health of patients, staff, and the broader community – while also demonstrating leadership and reinforcing health care’s vital role as a pillar of community well-being.
Introducing the Climate-smart Collective
We are building one of the most influential and expansive communities of health professionals in the nation, committed to reducing the environmental impact of health care and advancing climate-smart health care through mitigation, resilience, and leadership. The Climate-smart Collective is providing a platform to amplify your influence and expertise to advance the growing health care sustainability movement – shaping a healthier future for our patients and the planet.
Health Care Without Harm’s highest honor
Eboni Neal Cochran, longtime Louisville proponent for environmental justice and co-director of Rubbertown Emergency ACTion (REACT), is the recipient of Health Care Without Harm’s highest honor – the 2025 Environmental Health Hero Award. Cochran was recognized for her persistent advocacy for the people who live and suffer in the shadow of Louisville's chemical corridor.
Climate & health visionary
After three decades of being at the forefront of integrating climate action into the health care sector and policies, Dr. John Balbus has been awarded the 2025 Visionary Leader Award from Health Care Without Harm. Balbus was recognized for his leadership in transforming the health care sector’s approach to climate mitigation, resilience, and equity.
7 emerging leaders to watch
Seven Emerging Physician Leader and Blair and Georgia Sadler Fellowship awardees received scholarships to attend CleanMed. The 2025 Emerging Physician Leader Award is offered by Health Care Without Harm in collaboration with the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Hospital chef celebrated for culinary creativity
Keck Hospital chef Luis Santos won the Health Care Culinary Contest with his recipe for a deconstructed Honduran tamale. The winning plant-forward dish was served during CleanMed’s Environmental Excellence dinner.
6 waste reduction & pollution prevention champions recognized
Our 6 Stephanie Davis Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Award and Scholarship recipients are clinicians and hospital sustainability leaders passionate about fostering change in their facilities.
Honoring an environmental nursing leader
Anne Hulick received the 2025 Charlotte Brody Award. A driving force in the national environmental health space and a powerful advocate for nurses everywhere, Hulick exemplifies environmental nursing leadership.