Celebrate Earth Day All Month Long at Our Sustainability Events

Earth Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action, a chance to be part of something bigger than ourselves. At Carilion, we’re celebrating all month long with events and activities that connect us to our environment, our community and our responsibility to both. Whether you’re learning how surgical teams can reduce waste, digging your hands into the soil at Morningside Urban Farm, or joining a campus-wide cleanup, there’s a way for everyone to get involved. Together, we can turn awareness into action and show that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s part of who we are. Let’s make this Earth Day count, one mindful step at a time.

There are many ways to get involved:

Wednesday, April 9: Surgical Grand Rounds—Environmental Sustainability in the Operating Room

• 7 - 8 a.m., CRMH 13th floor conference room or on Teams
• Attendees will learn how hospitals and healthcare impact the environment, are reducing our impact on the environment and ways surgical services can improve environmental footprint while maintaining excellence in patient care.
• If you cannot attend, you can watch this presentation live via Teams. Contact Meghan Brogan at memorrow@carilionclinic.org for instructions on how to join.
• Download a flyer about this event for more details. 

Friday, April 11: OB/GYN Grand Rounds—Environmental Sustainability in the Operating Room

• 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., CRMH 13th floor conference room
• Speaker: Jacob Gillen, MD, medical director of Surgical Quality.
• Learn how hospitals and healthcare impact the environment, are reducing their footprint, and ways OB/GYN services can be more sustainable while maintaining high-quality care.
• Download a flyer about this event for more details. 

Monday, April 14 - Friday, April 25: Going Green Challenge in

Join us in making a positive impact on our environment through simple, sustainable daily actions. Registration opens Friday, April 11. Every small step counts—whether it’s reducing waste, conserving energy or making eco-friendly choices. A healthier planet means healthier people—and that includes you!

Visit the Well-being hub to learn more about Personify Health and how to sign up.

Thursday, April 17 and Thursday, April 25: Community Nights at Morningside Urban Farm

• Thursdays, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Join us on Thursdays for free health and wellness activities for all ages! Yoga, gardening/farming and kids' activities start at 6 p.m., and the featured workshop begins at 6:45 p.m.
• Thursday, April 17: Blessing of the farm
  • Join in an opening prayer and meditative movement led by Chaplaincy Services and our Healing Arts program. 
• Thursday, April 24: Seed swap and planting primer
  • Share seeds and learn the basics about different ways to start them with farmer Hannah Patrick.
• Additional events can be found here (April-May) and here (June-July).

Beginning Friday, April 18: Inspiring Medication Cap Artwork

Don’t miss the inspiring medication cap artwork on display Friday, April 18 through Saturday, May 10 as part of the Employee Art Show. Created by our artist in residence using medication caps from multiple hospital units, this powerful piece highlights creativity, collaboration and care. Visit the Wow Wall on April 21 to read the full story behind this meaningful project.

Tuesday, April 22: Riverside Green Roof Tour

• Noon - 12:30 p.m. tour and 12:30 - 1 p.m. lunch on the rooftop at 4 Riverside Circle in Roanoke.
• Learn about the green roofs at Riverside and the impact they have on our environment.
• Registration is required and is limited to 15 people.

Tuesday, April 22: Sustainability Hero Award Winners Announced

Read about this year’s award recipients on the Wow Wall.

Friday, April 25: Campus Clean Up

• On Friday, April 25th, go outside your office (or home office!) and participate in a Carilion-wide cleanup. Grab a trash bag and some gloves and walk around the area to pick up any trash you find.
• Whether you participate in the cleanup at noon Friday or another time during the week, send a picture of your efforts to sewohlford@carilionclinic.org to be entered into a drawing for a prize!