Safeguarding the James: Owens & Minor Foundation’s Commitment to Virginia’s Iconic Waterway
In the heart of Richmond, Virginia—a city steeped in history and alive with modern energy—flows a river that has long shaped the identity and vitality of the region. The James River, stretching 340 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, is more than a scenic landmark. It is a critical artery of life for the Commonwealth of Virginia, supplying millions with drinking water, supporting a vibrant ecosystem, and offering countless opportunities for recreation, education, and commerce.
For Owens & Minor, a global healthcare solutions company headquartered in Richmond, the James River holds a special significance. It flows not only through the city but through the lives of the people who call this community home—including the company’s thousands of Virginia-based teammates. Recognizing the vital role this natural resource plays in local wellbeing and environmental sustainability, The Owens & Minor Foundation has made it a priority to contribute meaningfully to the river’s protection and preservation.
To that end, The Owens & Minor Foundation has forged a strong and growing partnership with the James River Association (JRA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of the James River. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and to fostering healthier communities through active engagement, education, and support.
A River at the Center of Community Life
The James River is more than just a body of water—it is a source of identity and pride for Virginians. Its winding path touches numerous cities and towns, connecting people to nature and to each other. In Richmond, the river is both a recreational haven and an economic asset. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to its scenic banks for kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. At the same time, the river supports local industries, provides clean drinking water, and plays a role in flood management.
However, like many urban waterways, the James River faces ongoing environmental threats. Pollution, habitat loss, stormwater runoff, and the impacts of climate change all pose serious risks to the river’s health and sustainability. That’s where organizations like the James River Association step in—working on the ground and in the water to safeguard the river’s future.
A Strategic Partnership for Positive Change
Understanding the essential connection between environmental health and community well-being, The Owens & Minor Foundation began supporting the James River Association three years ago. Since then, the partnership has evolved into a multifaceted collaboration that includes not only financial contributions but also hands-on volunteerism and advocacy.
“The James River is a part of our daily lives, especially for those of us who live and work in Richmond,” said Ed Pesicka, President and CEO of Owens & Minor. “Our partnership with the James River Association is a natural extension of our mission to build healthier communities and improve lives—not just through healthcare delivery, but through direct engagement in environmental and community initiatives.”
The Foundation’s contributions help fund a variety of JRA’s core programs. These include river cleanups, tree planting efforts, educational outreach to schools and youth groups, and water quality monitoring projects that provide critical data to guide conservation strategies.
Teammates in Action: Leading by Example
One of the hallmarks of The Owens & Minor Foundation’s approach is a strong emphasis on teammate involvement. Volunteerism is seen not just as a charitable act, but as a cornerstone of corporate responsibility and culture. Over the past several years, Owens & Minor teammates have participated in a wide range of activities organized in partnership with JRA—rolling up their sleeves to make a tangible difference.
Most recently, a group of employees, including CEO Ed Pesicka, joined a river cleanup initiative at JRA’s newly established educational facility. The event provided a powerful opportunity for team members to directly engage with the environment and witness firsthand the impact of their efforts. In addition to removing debris and improving the riverfront habitat, the event also included a formal presentation of a financial contribution from The Owens & Minor Foundation to support JRA’s ongoing work.
“Our teammates genuinely care about the communities where they live and work, and their enthusiasm for environmental volunteering has been incredibly inspiring,” said Pesicka. “We’ve seen how participating in these efforts not only benefits the river and the broader ecosystem but also strengthens our internal culture of teamwork, service, and shared purpose.”
Investing in Environmental Education
Education is a critical component of long-term conservation, and both Owens & Minor and JRA recognize the importance of connecting the next generation to the natural world. Part of the Foundation’s support helps expand JRA’s educational programming, which reaches thousands of students each year.
Through hands-on learning experiences such as watershed tours, classroom presentations, and citizen science initiatives, young people gain a deeper understanding of environmental issues and develop the skills to become future stewards of the river. By empowering students with knowledge and experiences, JRA aims to cultivate a lifelong connection to the James River—and, by extension, to the broader cause of sustainability.
A Shared Vision for a Healthier Future
As Owens & Minor continues to grow as a global healthcare leader, its roots in Virginia—and in Richmond—remain a defining part of its identity. The James River is a constant reminder of the interconnectedness between community, environment, and health.
Through its ongoing partnership with the James River Association, The Owens & Minor Foundation reaffirms its dedication to making a positive, lasting impact not only in healthcare, but in the natural world that sustains us all.
“Our collaboration with JRA is one of the ways we strive to live out our values,” said Pesicka. “It’s about recognizing that healthy communities depend on healthy environments—and doing our part to ensure that resources like the James River continue to thrive for generations to come.”
In a time when environmental challenges are increasingly urgent, the actions of committed organizations and individuals can make a profound difference. Through support, service, and a shared sense of responsibility, Owens & Minor and the James River Association are working hand-in-hand to protect a treasured Virginia waterway—preserving not only its ecological vitality, but also its role as a source of inspiration, resilience, and unity for all who depend on it.
