Perry Point VA Medical Center Recognized for Improving Health and Wellness Through Trees
Share Article
The Perry Point VA Medical Center, a division of the VA Maryland Health Care System, has received national and state recognition for its commitment to improving health and wellness on its campus through a comprehensive tree care plan.
The Perry Point VA Medical Center has received national and state recognition for its commitment to improving health and wellness on its campus through a comprehensive tree care plan.
“We’re delighted that our efforts to maintain and enhance the natural beauty inherent at the Perry Point VA Medical Center and to incorporate it into our wellness programs has brought us this special recognition,” said Jonathan R. Eckman, P.E., director of the VA Maryland Health Care System.
Financial investment toward a tree care plan or projects
âStudies have shown that spending time outdoors, in nature, can help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression,â said Steve Massey, Westfields Hospital & Clinic president. âAt Westfields, weâve been very deliberate to promote and protect the natural environment of our campus, to enhance the healing environment for patients and the community. We welcome members of the public to spend time walking the trails on our campus.â
Tree Campus Healthcare strives to improve human health outcomes by connecting inpatient health care 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 health care services are eligible for Tree Campus Healthcare recognition, including hospitals, senior care and other residential rehabilitation properties.
April 15, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Some local communities have again received a Tree City USA designation for their work in promoting and caring for trees.
The cities of Brighton, Howell, South Lyon, and the Villages of Dexter and Milford are among 124 Michigan communities, nine campuses, one healthcare institution, and one utility recognized with a Tree City, Tree Campus, Tree Campus Healthcare, or Tree Line USA designation. The Tree City USA programs promote proper care and management of community trees and call attention to the multiple benefits they provide.
The certifications are for work accomplished during 2020 and all recipients will receive their awards in April.
Journal staff
Northern Michigan University biology graduate student Mindy Kantola, back left, helps the Kitchel family plant a tree during Hiawatha Traditional Music Co-op’s celebratory tree planting in 2019. The Kitchel family, from left: Edith, Doug, Grace and Jamie. (Journal file photo by Cecilia Brown)
MARQUETTE The city of Marquette has again been designated with the Tree City USA honor for promoting and caring for trees within the community.
Marquette is among 124 Michigan communities, nine campuses, one health care institution and one utility recognized with a Tree City, Tree Campus, Tree Campus Healthcare or Tree Line USA designation for 2020.
“Michigan ranks eighth nationally in the number of communities with Tree City designations,” said Kevin Sayers, urban and community forestry specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in a news release. “Trees are a very important part of the landscape in our cities, towns and villages. They add beauty