SSM Health’s partnership with Forest ReLeaf is gaining national recognition, recently featured in Catholic Health World, a publication of the Catholic Health Association of the United States.
The article highlights how this collaboration is helping restore tree canopy across disinvested St. Louis neighborhoods — bringing environmental, physical and emotional benefits to the communities we serve. Following significant tree loss from a devastating tornado in 2025, SSM Health team members and community partners have worked together to plant hundreds of trees, creating healthier, more welcoming spaces.
Dr. Alex Garza, SSM Health’s Chief Community Health Officer, showcased the partnership in a bus tour that was part of the national CleanMed conference that was held in St. Louis in mid-May, presented by Health Care Without Harm and Practice Greenhealth.
“Even though planting trees sounds somewhat simple, it’s actually an investment in our communities,” Garza told conference participants. “It’s investing in the dignity of the communities – respect, health equity, all those different things.”
As shared in the feature, this work reflects a broader vision of health. Tree planting not only improves air quality and reduces heat, but also supports community well-being, offering space for connection, reflection and healing. In some neighborhoods, trees have even been planted in memory of loved ones, creating places of peace and remembrance.
Together, these efforts demonstrate how SSM Health is living its Mission in new and meaningful ways—caring for the whole person and strengthening the communities we serve.
