New York City Councilman, James Gennaro Joins St. Mary’s Kids & Staff for “Trash Art Party” to Celebrate Earth Day

New York City Councilman, James Gennaro helped young patients and staff of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children celebrate Earth Day on April 15th at St. Mary’s flagship facility in Bayside, NY.

With the help of Councilman Gennaro, St. Mary’s kids, some of the region’s most seriously ill and injured children battling complex medical and life-limiting conditions, created unique “trash art” using bottles, cans, paper, containers and other ordinary trash items, and hosted a contest to choose the best masterpiece.

With St. Mary’s therapists and nurses as judges, of course, all kids came out a winner.

Part of St. Mary’s art therapy and therapeutic recreation programs, Trash Art is one of the many green initiatives undertaken by both staff and children at the Bayside facility.

St. Mary’s, one of the region’s largest providers of post-acute care for children with special needs, has been committed to creating an environmentally-friendly atmosphere for patients, family and visitors, and staff and are dedicated to teaching St. Mary’s kids about the benefits of recycling and keeping the earth safe.

In 2006 St. Mary’s received the prestigious Making Medicine Mercury Free Award from Hospital for a Healthy Environment (H2E) for creating mercury-free alternatives throughout the healthcare system. St. Mary’s energy reduction efforts, comprehensive shredding and recycling program, and the overall green initiatives of staff, patients, and families, have helped save thousands of trees and thousands of dollars in energy.