Beth Schenk is the chief environmental stewardship officer for Providence, leading a cross-functional commitment to reduce operational pollution while addressing environmental justice and climate resilience in the communities we serve.

Beth has been a Providence caregiver for over 30 years. From serving as an ICU nurse at St. Patrick in Missoula to leading nursing research across the Providence organization, Beth has nurtured her passion for environmental care.  She has led the environmental stewardship initiative for the Providence system since 2020.

Her national advocacy includes membership on the Expert Panel for Environmental and Public Health in the American Academy of Nursing, membership in the Healthcare Without Harm Climate Council. Beth is a founding board member of Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, and Climate Smart Missoula. She has hosted the Nurses for Healthy Environments podcast since 2019 for the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Beth is an assistant research professor at Washington State University College of Nursing. She has developed two tools related to environmental stewardship - the Nurses Environmental Awareness Tool (NEAT) and the Climate and Health Tool (CHANT).  CHANT has been used in over 50 nations to understand awareness, concern, motivation, and behaviors among health professionals regarding climate change and health. She has numerous publications and presentations related to this work.

She has received several honors, including the Charlotte Brody Award from Healthcare Without Harm; induction as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing; and named a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Montana.

Beth lives in Missoula, Montana with her husband and pets where she hikes, plays music, gardens, and explores the beautiful mountains and streams.

Personal Statement:

Human health is affected by many factors including the social determinants of health and the environmental determinants of health. It is becoming clearer that the stable functioning of the planet is essential for human health and thriving. Thus, the condition of the planet is an issue of concern for health care professionals and systems.

Healthcare, serves the purpose of creating, achieving, and sustaining health for the people and communities it serves. However, healthcare causes damage to the natural environment through the pollution it creates, including significant greenhouse gas emissions, overuse of resources and creation of waste, and the use of environmental toxicants, as examples. In turn, these negative impacts put human health at further risk.

As a nurse, I am guided by my professional obligations, including from our Code of Ethics which reminds us that “Human life and health are profoundly affected by the state of the natural world that surrounds us.” Principle 9.4 says we “must advocate for policies, programs, and practices within the healthcare environment that maintain, sustain, and repair the natural world.”  Our Scope and Standards of Practice, Standard 18, reminds us to “practice in a manner that advances environmental safety and health.” Nursing’s Social Policy Statement reminds us that we provide for the public’s health, including “health promotion, disease prevention, and environmental measures.” Our profession is anchored in these principles, echoing across generations of nurses concerned about health and justice.

Further, all health professionals are committed to relieving suffering and preventing and treating disease and illness. Therefore, all health professionals are called to prioritize the health of the planet as a key element of human thriving.