Community

ArtPrize’ – With a Twist of Green

In conjunction with ArtPrize® 2014, Spectrum Health will celebrate art in a different way, by adding a twist of “green”. Employees of the large health system are participating by making art out of recycled products in conjunction with ArtPrize, one of the biggest community art events in the world.

At several Spectrum Health locations, from Lakeview to Grand Rapids, recycled art made by employees will be on display for public vote September 29 through October 10. The effort is led by a location’s Green Team; an identified group of people that help develop sustainable programs and implement change for the facility. The Green Teams are challenging different Spectrum Health departments to create a masterpiece entirely from recycled art. Spectrum Health employees are invited to be inventive in their uses of materials, which range from plastic bottles and shrink wrap to cardboard.

Patients, visitors, volunteers, staff and others are welcome to vote on their favorite piece of work. A ballot box is located near all of the GreenPrize pieces in the competition.

“Spectrum Health started GreenPrize last year to celebrate Blodgett Hospital’s induction into the Environmental Leadership Circle through Practice GreenHealth,” said Sarah Chartier, sustainability coordinator, Spectrum Health. “GreenPrize is a fun and engaging way for employees to learn more about what can be recycled and to work collaboratively as a team.”

With 170 Spectrum Health ambulatory and service locations in 13 Michigan counties, GreenPrize organizers intend to expand the event to more locations next year.

“We are already making plans to keep the momentum going for the 2015 competition,” said Chartier.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 11 hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 170 ambulatory and service sites; 1,080 employed physicians and advanced practice providers including members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a 575,000-member health plan. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 21,300 employees. The organization provided $250 million in community benefit during its 2013 fiscal year.