Susan Wilburn, a leader in the global environmental health community and a passionate advocate for nurses worldwide, has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Charlotte Brody Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions.
As Health Care Without Harm's senior advisor in Sustainability, Susan Wilburn has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives. Previously serving as the organization's International Sustainability Director, she spearheaded different efforts in sustainable procurement and waste management strategies. She played an instrumental role in developing the Sustainable Health in Procurement Project (SHiPP), a collaborative project between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Health Care Without Harm, supported by the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
During her acceptance speech, Susan emphasized the critical role nurses play in environmental health. She highlighted the interconnectedness of patient care and the work environment of health care professionals, both of which exert a profound influence on the planet's well-being. “Working at Health Care Without Harm, I found new allies to engage with to make change in the world to protect our planet and the people and creatures who live here,” she said.
Katie Huffling, executive director of Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, presented the Charlotte Brody Award to Sarah Wilburn at the 2023 CleanMed conference in Pittsburgh on May 23, 2023. Photo: Health Care Without Harm.
She underscored the importance of embracing a global perspective, emphasizing the wealth of knowledge that can be gleaned from diverse healthcare systems around the world. She championed the cause of equitable and universal access to health services, stressing the significance of sustainable health systems in shaping a better future.
Susan currently represents Health Care Civil Society on the Bureau of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), actively contributing to the global regulation of chemicals and waste management.
The Charlotte Brody Award recognizes a nurse whose story of environmental activism and accomplishment reflects a significant contribution to environmental health. This award honors Charlotte Brody, a registered nurse, activist, and co-founder of Health Care Without Harm, who dedicated her career to making a safer, healthier environment.