Crothall’s Environmental Services (EVS) and Patient Transport teams have received the University of Chicago Medicine (UChicago Medicine) Supplier Community Impact Award for their commitment to creating opportunities and making a difference in the local community.
The recognition reflects the teams’ impact both inside and outside the hospital. Inclusive hiring practices, associate development, and driving sustainability initiatives highlight the strong partnership between Crothall and UChicago Medicine and their shared commitment to the South Side Chicago community.
Creating Opportunities Through Inclusive Hiring
Crothall has aligned its operations with UChicago Medicine’s commitment to supporting the community where it operates. As part of that commitment, the EVS and Patient Transport teams focus recruitment efforts on the seven ZIP codes surrounding the medical center, helping connect local residents with accessible, entry-level career opportunities.
With more than 800 associates across the two departments, the teams have the ability to make a significant impact on the local workforce.
“Our focus has been to create opportunities through inclusive hiring practices,” said Jason Hammond, Regional Director of Operations. “We have ongoing growth and development mentorship conversations with individuals who have been identified for advancement. Every six months, we assess our teams and evaluate opportunities for growth. From there, we develop plans to prepare them for what those next roles look like.”
While turnover can be a challenge in entry-level roles, Crothall’s commitment to local recruitment goes beyond simply filling positions. The goal is to create opportunities and career pathways that people may not have previously seen for themselves.
“Receiving this award is a reflection of the strong partnership we’ve built with Crothall over the years,” said Eric Tritch, Senior Vice President at UChicago Medicine. “Their commitment to creating opportunities through local hiring, investing in their people, and supporting our sustainability goals demonstrates the impact we can make when we work together with a shared commitment to our community.”
Building a More Sustainable Community
The teams’ community impact also extends to creating a healthier, more sustainable environment. UChicago Medicine’s EVS team plays an important role in supporting the hospital’s sustainability goals and participates in Team EAR3TH, an employee-led sustainability and environmental advocacy group.
Through this work, EVS associates contribute to recycling and waste-reduction initiatives, including optimizing cardboard recycling, working with waste vendors to reduce contamination, evaluating and optimizing waste streams, and identifying opportunities to reduce regulated medical waste and other waste streams while maintaining compliance. The team also continues to look for opportunities to support more environmentally responsible products and practices.
These efforts demonstrate how the work happening behind the scenes can have a broader impact for a healthier and more sustainable environment for patients, employees and the surrounding community.
“This award is a powerful reflection of what is possible when a client and strategic partner are truly aligned around a shared vision. Our success at UChicago Medicine has never been about simply delivering a service; it is about understanding the community we serve and finding meaningful ways to make a difference,” said Jay Patel, Senior Director, EVS Support Services Division. “I’m proud that our teams are being recognized for the impact they have made and the role they continue to play in supporting the broader mission of UChicago Medicine.”
Growing Together
The award is also a reflection of the people behind the work and the culture they have built together.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the team and their growth,” said Hammond. “Expectations are very high on a daily basis, and they don’t shy away from it. They have really driven that into their culture of being present.”
As UChicago Medicine continues to expand, there will be even more opportunities for Crothall associates to grow alongside the organization. With a new cancer hospital opening in the future, the partnership will create additional opportunities for local hiring, career development, and continued community impact.
For Crothall, the Supplier Community Impact Award represents more than recognition. It is a testament to what can happen when teams, organizations, and communities work together to create meaningful opportunities and build a stronger future.
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