Health Care Without Harm and the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE) are proud to announce Anne Hulick as the recipient of the 2025 Charlotte Brody Award. This prestigious award recognizes a nurse whose environmental activism and accomplishments have made a significant contribution to environmental health.
Hulick, a dedicated nurse and attorney, has spent decades advocating for policies that protect public health from environmental hazards. Her journey into environmental health began in the late 1990s and early 2000s while working in hospitals, where she recognized the critical link between environmental practices and patient well-being.
From clinical care to environmental advocacy
Hulick’s passion for environmental health stems from her belief that while hospitals excel at treating illness, they must also consider their environmental impact. “I always felt like we could do an incredible job taking care of people when they were sick, but we didn’t always think about what we were doing to the environment and how that impacts health,” she reflected.
This realization led her to pursue a law degree after 20 years in nursing, equipping her with additional tools for advocacy. She notes, “When I identify myself as a nurse in front of legislators, it carries more weight than saying I’m also an attorney.” Her nursing credentials, combined with legal expertise, have made her a trusted voice in policy discussions.
Mentoring the next generation of nurse advocates
One of Hulick’s proudest achievements is mentoring nursing students in environmental advocacy. She recalled working with a student named Jose, who initially had no experience in policy, but became deeply engaged in environmental health legislation. “He got so involved that his state senator would call him for advice on health-related bills,” she shared. Today, Jose continues his advocacy work, a testament to Hulick’s mentorship.
Hulick also inspires nurses through speaking engagements, encouraging them to take action despite busy schedules. “Even though nurses are stretched thin, there are things we can all do,” she shared.
Grassroots impact: Fighting for safer communities
A recent victory in Hulick’s Connecticut town showcased her ability to drive change at the local level. When officials considered installing artificial turf at a high school, she spoke out at a town meeting, raising concerns about toxic chemicals and heat island effects. “People were surprised by the health risks,” she said. Her advocacy led to a pause in the decision, ensuring further evaluation of safer alternatives.
Collaboration and hope in the face of climate challenges
Hulick draws inspiration from her colleagues in the environmental health movement, including scientists, lawyers, and fellow nurses in ANHE. “Working with like-minded people keeps me going, especially when things feel overwhelming,” she shared.
Looking ahead, she plans to focus on educating future nurses and high school students about environmental health careers. “I want to show young people the opportunities that exist – ones I didn’t know about when I started in the 1980s.”
A life rooted in nature
Outside of advocacy, Hulick enjoys spending time outdoors in Cromwell, Connecticut, where she lives. Whether hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, or gardening, she finds solace in nature – a reminder of what she fights to protect.
As the state director of Clean Water Action in Connecticut, Hulick continues her legislative work, combating toxic chemicals like PFAS and advancing environmental justice. Her career exemplifies how nurses can drive systemic change, proving that health care and environmental advocacy are deeply interconnected.
The Charlotte Brody Award celebrates Hulick’s unwavering commitment to a healthier planet – one where nurses lead the way in safeguarding both people and the environment.
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The Charlotte Brody Award is presented annually by Health Care Without Harm and the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments to honor nurses who demonstrate outstanding leadership in environmental health.
