Public Employee Press

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Jacobi Hospital's garden of tranquility

All hospital work involves life and death, but when stress levels rise, many Jacobi Hospital employees seek tranquility tending their lush garden of vegetables, flowers and herbs growing behind Building 4 on the sprawling Bronx campus.

"We started with eight raised beds built by Local 924 Laborers and now we have 24," said lunch-hour gardener and Local 420 Chapter Chair Helena Lampropoulos.

After brainstorming about stress, Lampropoulos, Vice Chair Diane Massay and Assistant Executive Director Hannah Nelson agreed a garden would boost employee morale and health.

This summer Dietary Aides and Doctors planted tomatoes, basil and garlic; Clerks, administrators and Patient Care Associates plucked grapes, green beans and lettuces. Summer squash and bright flowers bloomed and fragrant scents of cilantro, mint, rosemary and thyme wafted through the summer air.

"Gardening is relaxing and it's a learning process," Lampropoulos said. "We all have diverse backgrounds and cultures, and we learn from each other, exchanging veggies and recipes. It keeps us healthy and working together no matter what position we're in. It's a great equalizer."

Jacobi's staff also shares the bountiful produce with patients in clinics for weight management, mental health and childhood obesity.