This year鈥檚 Alexander and Victoria L. Rich Distinguished Lecture welcomed USF Health College of Nursing alumna Erika Kimball back to campus, where she delivered an inspiring talk on the intersection of sustainability and healthcare.
Erika, a healthcare sustainability leader with over 15 years of experience, began her journey as a staff nurse spearheading waste reduction projects. She is now the Founder and CEO of , a consulting firm specializing in sustainability strategies, programs, and communications for hospitals and healthcare organizations. Drawing from her deep expertise, Kimball emphasized the pivotal role nurses play in embedding sustainability practices into clinical environments, underscoring that sustainable healthcare is not just about conserving resources鈥攊t鈥檚 about improving lives.
Each year, U.S. hospitals generate over 5.9 million tons of waste鈥攁pproximately 30 pounds per patient per day. Kimball framed this staggering figure as a call to action, urging nurses and healthcare leaders to seize the opportunity to champion sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact.
"Change is hard, but it鈥檚 what healthcare does best," Kimball stated.
A key focus of her lecture was the redesign of healthcare products and workflows with sustainability in mind. She shared actionable insights, such as engaging nurses in strategic decision-making to minimize waste and improve patient care. From reducing waste per patient to tracking water and carbon footprints in clinical settings, Kimball demonstrated how metrics can drive meaningful, scalable change.
"Nurses change people for a living. This is our space to define and lead," Kimball powerfully affirmed.
The 2024 Alexander and Victoria L. Rich Distinguished Lecture was a compelling reminder of the shared responsibility to innovate and create a healthier, more sustainable future. It also honored the enduring legacy of Alexander Rich and the transformative leadership of former USF Health College of Nursing Dean, Dr. Victoria Rich, whose vision continues to inspire nursing innovation.