Eight quilts crafted by UHS employees and retirees were recently showcased at Binghamton University as part of the institution’s Earth Day celebration. The project, led by Terri Peters, research program manager in Clinical Trials Research at UHS, began with an invitation from the university to contribute quilt panels for the event.
Starting in February, a team of volunteers gathered to brainstorm and collaborate on the quilts’ designs. Their aim was to reflect UHS’s past, present, and future while addressing climate change from a healthcare provider’s perspective. What initially started as a small project expanded into creating eight quilts. Diane Wessell, a UHS retiree and experienced quilter, took charge of six quilts, while Peters managed the remaining two.
Binghamton University encouraged participants to use upcycled materials for environmental sustainability. In response, the UHS team utilized repurposed hospital materials such as scrubs and patient gowns alongside donated fabrics from local quilters and retirees.
The project also included contributions from children to emphasize Earth Day’s commitment to future generations. Mary DeGuardi, MD, director of UHS Pediatrics, facilitated gathering handprints from children at UHS Pediatrics Binghamton and UHS School-Based Health Center Franklin. These handprints were transformed into fabric versions and incorporated into several quilts.
After months of collaboration and effort, the quilts were completed. Initially scheduled for display on April 26 only, Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger extended the exhibit through May 18 due to his admiration for the work.
Following their initial display period at Binghamton University, some quilts featuring children’s handprints will remain permanently at UHS Pediatrics Binghamton and UHS School-Based Health Center Franklin. The others are set to be exhibited at various events including SUNY Oneonta’s Sustainability Conference on June 11-12; Tioga County Arts Council on September 10; and AASHE Annual Conference on Sustainability in Minneapolis in October.
Terri Peters expressed her thoughts: “At a time when climate change continues to affect all of us, I felt it was important for UHS to get involved in raising awareness. As the largest employer in the region, it’s imperative we play a role in local projects such as this.” She added that she is proud of how their volunteer team mobilized to create these informative quilts which will continue making an impact beyond their community.
UHS acknowledged Terri Peters, Diane Wessell, and all participating current and retired employees who contributed their time and resources toward this initiative.
