Pre-conference events
Before CleanMed begins, join us for one of our engaging pre-conference events. Pre-registration is required and limited spots are available. If you wish to attend either of these pre-conference events, be sure to add during registration.
Caring for Trees Planted to Honor Lives Lost to Gun Violence
Tuesday, May 12, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. CST
Practice Greenhealth has partnered with Forest ReLeaf, a St. Louis-area non-profit, and the Arbor Day Foundation to offer this volunteer service opportunity. Participants will help with the essential work of maintaining tree health by weeding and spreading mulch around dozens of trees planted in Beckett Park. The planting of these trees in 2022 was sponsored by SSM Health, and the trees were planted to honor the lives of those lost to gun violence in St. Louis. Forest ReLeaf will provide snacks and all necessary tools (including gloves). Bring water bottles and wear closed toed shoes, as well as clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Attendees will also have the chance to learn about the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Healthcare program.
Environmental Justice Bus Tour with Dr. Alex Garza
Tuesday, May 12, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. CST
SSM Health, Practice Greenhealth, and Forest ReLeaf are proud to present an Environmental Justice Bus Tour, sponsored by SSM Health and featuring Dr. Alexander Garza, Chief Community Health Officer at SSM Health and Meridith Perkins, Executive Director at Forest ReLeaf. They will lead attendees on an environmental justice bus tour with four stops across North St. Louis. During this 2-hour bus tour, Dr. Garza and Meridith will speak to investments SSM Health and Forest ReLeaf have been making in order to address environmental injustice that has long affected North St. Louis and that was made worse by the May 2025 tornado that severely affected already under-resourced communities.