At Providence Health Care, sustainability is about more than reducing environmental impact—it’s about fostering connections between people and the planet. The Beehive Installation Pilot, launched in 2024, brought beehives to Holy Family Hospital and St. Vincent’s Langara, two long term care sites, demonstrating how health-care facilities can support biodiversity while enriching staff and patient experiences.
A Sweet Approach to Sustainability
Bees are essential to healthy ecosystems and food security. By installing beehives, Providence not only created a habitat for pollinators but also provided staff and residents with hands-on learning experiences. Regular beekeeper visits allowed participants to observe the hive, learn about pollination, and even touch the honey, hive and propolis.
The highlight was the honey extraction workshops, where 81 attendees engaged in extracting honey from the combs and packaging it into 200 little gift jars.
This was so exciting for all of us! The presentation was fantastic—hats off to your team!” shared one participant. Another noted, “It’s a great way for all of us to learn more about bees and gives them a place to thrive.”
Strengthening the Link Between Health and Nature
This initiative highlights the connection between planetary and human health, both physical and mental. Research shows exposure to nature improves well-being, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive function. Many participants saw direct links between the beehive and their work, noting its role in resident engagement, environmental stewardship, and community building. One staff member shared,
Taking care of our environment is taking care of ourselves.”
Looking Ahead
The Beehive Pilot was an overwhelming success—100% of survey respondents supported keeping the beehives, and many expressed interest in future bee-related workshops. With momentum growing, Providence is exploring opportunities to expand the program and introduce native bee habitats to further support biodiversity.
By integrating sustainability into health care, Providence Health Care is leading the way in climate adaptation—one hive at a time.
