Welcome to the

AWISH Newsletter

April 2025 Issue:

First Editor: Ellen Li

Editors: Vanadhi Muthukumar, Rhea Kumar

Earth Day Aptil 22,2025

As the spring flowers blossom around us, we're reminded of the power of growth and renewal, and there's no better time to reflect on the incredible strides our community has made together. Your efforts continue to drive meaningful change in healthcare sustainability and global equity.

April Achievements in Action 🌿

This month, we’re proud to recognize the collective impact of our volunteers:

1,250 volunteer hours contributed to date — translating to $50,000 in professional services donated.
Each hour brings us closer to a healthcare system that’s not just effective, but also ethical and environmentally responsible.

Blue Wrap Recycling: Continuing the Climb ♻️

Thanks to your commitment, we’ve now recycled

  • 3,541.41 pounds of blue wrap since the program began

  • Averaging 510.37 pounds per month — our strongest pace yet!

Every pound represents a win for our planet and a step toward a greener future in healthcare!

LigaSure Reprocessing: Turning Waste into Opportunity 💡

Our device recycling initiative continues to generate both impact and support:

  • $21,250 earned in LigaSure rebates so far
    These funds directly sustain our programs and broaden our capacity to serve.

Coming Up: Be On the Lookout! 📆

  • Stanford Farm: Stay tuned for a volunteer day at the Stanford Farm in Fall – it’ll be fun!

Community Spotlight: Building Momentum

  • Through mentorship, and research opportunities, we're not just reducing waste — we're empowering future changemakers. If you’re passionate about healthcare innovation and sustainability, now’s the time to get involved!

Thank you 💚

We are endlessly grateful for your continued dedication. Whether you’re sorting blue wrap, teaching ultrasound, or supporting from afar, you are the heart of AWISH.

With purpose and pride,

The AWISH Team
 Stanford Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Newsletter Contributors:

  • Editors: Rhea Kumar, Vanadhi Muthukumar, Ellen Li

  • Data Analysis: Christine Foster, Michael Powers

  • Volunteer Services: Maryellen Brady

Want to volunteer or learn more? Contact us at AWISHvolunteer@stanford.edu!


October 2024 Issue:

First Editor: Rhea Kumar

Editors: Vanadhi Muthukumar, Ellen Li

Dear AWISH Community,

As we move into the holiday season, we're filled with gratitude for our incredible volunteers and partners who continue to make our sustainability mission possible. Your dedication to reducing healthcare's environmental impact while supporting global medical equity is truly inspiring.

Celebrating Our October Impact 🌟

This October, our volunteer family showed up in force! Our volunteers contributed a total of 109 hours of their time and energy, representing an impressive $4,208.49 in professional services. Every hour you spend with us helps build a more sustainable future for healthcare.

"Together, we can address sustainability and inequities in healthcare, one initiative at a time."

Breaking Records in Recycling 📊

Our blue wrap recycling program continues to thrive:

  • We've reached a milestone of 1,915.35 pounds of blue wrap recycled to date

  • September was our record-breaking month with 424.83 pounds collected

  • October maintained strong momentum with 393.58 pounds

Each pound diverted represents our commitment to reducing healthcare's carbon footprint!

LigaSure Collections: Making Every Device Count 💚

Your dedication to our medical device reprocessing program is paying off:

  • 135.322 pounds diverted from landfills this fiscal year

  • $15,870.00 in rebates earned, supporting our ongoing initiatives

Looking Ahead: Mark Your Calendars!

  • Mentoring Program: New opportunities to share your expertise

  • Research Projects: Exciting developments in sustainability metrics

  • Video Education: Stay tuned for new educational content

Community Spotlight

We're especially excited about our expanding educational initiatives. Through our mentoring program and workshops, we're not just reducing waste – we're building the next generation of sustainable healthcare advocates.

Get Involved

Whether you're a longtime volunteer or considering joining our community, there's never been a better time to be part of AWISH! Every contribution, big or small, helps us move toward our goal of a more sustainable healthcare system.

With gratitude and hope for a greener future,

The AWISH Team
Stanford Lucile Packard Children's Hospital

Newsletter Contributors:

  • Editors: Rhea Kumar, Vanadhi Muthukumar, Ellen Li

  • Data Analysis: Dana Hiniker, Michael Powers

  • Volunteer Services: Maryellen Brady

Want to volunteer or learn more? Contact us at AWISHvolunteer@stanford.edu!