UHS volunteers craft eight original quilts for Binghamton University Earth Day celebration

Recently, eight quilts created by UHS employees and retirees were on display at Binghamton University as part of the university’s Earth Day celebration.

The quilt project brought together many members of Team UHS. When Binghamton University invited UHS to contribute panels for an Earth Day quilt, Terri Peters, research program manager in Clinical Trials Research at UHS, stepped up to lead the initiative.

Beginning in February, a team of volunteers began meeting regularly to share ideas and collaborate, ultimately deciding to design the quilts as a reflection of UHS’ past, present, and future. In keeping with the Earth Day theme, the team focused on climate change from the perspective of medical providers.

What began as a small project evolved into an ambitious plan to design and create eight quilts. UHS retiree Diane Wessell, a longtime quilter, took the lead on six of the quilts, while Terri shepherded the other two.

As part of the project, Binghamton University challenged participants to use upcycled fabrics wherever possible to support environmental sustainability. Rising to the occasion, the UHS team repurposed hospital materials, including scrubs, patient gowns, linens and sheets to use for the panels and quilt backing. They also incorporated upcycled wool and flannel, along with fabric donated by area quilters and UHS retirees.

In addition to highlighting environmental concerns from a healthcare perspective, the team also wanted the project to include children, since Earth Day reflects a commitment to our planet for the sake of future generations. This idea came to fruition with the help of Mary DeGuardi, MD, director of UHS Pediatrics, who helped gather handprints from children and families at UHS Pediatrics Binghamton and UHS School-Based Health Center Franklin. The team worked to transform the paper handprints into fabric versions, which were carefully stitched into several of the quilts.

After several months of hard work, creative thinking, and collaboration, the team completed work on the quilts. Originally scheduled to be displayed for only one day, April 26, Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger was so impressed with the quilts that the exhibit was extended through May 18.

While the original Earth Day exhibit has ended, the quilts will continue to make an impact. The quilts featuring the children’s handprints will reside permanently at UHS Pediatrics Binghamton and UHS School-Based Health Center Franklin. The remaining quilts will travel to several different locales and events in the months to come, including:

• SUNY Oneonta’s Sustainability Conference – June 11-12
• Tioga County Arts Council – September 10
• AASHE Annual Conference on Sustainability in Minneapolis, MN in October

“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,” Terri shared. “I am so proud of how our entire team of UHS volunteers mobilized to produce these beautiful, informative quilts. We are so excited and humbled that they will continue to be exhibited and make an impact beyond our community.”

UHS extends its appreciation to Terri, Diane, and the entire team of current and retired UHS employees from a wide variety of departments who volunteered their time and material in support of this project.