New York City Health + Hospitals
Program: Arts in Health
Area of Work: Arts
Grant Purpose: Arts in Medicine
Overview
New York City Health + Hospital’s Arts in Medicine programs integrate creative engagements into clinical and community settings to improve patient experiences and outcomes as well as the resiliency of medical professionals, family members and other caregivers. The Arts in Medicine programs aim to foster the emotional well-being of patients, families, employees, and the greater community and to improve the healthcare experience by integrating the arts and humanities throughout the New York City Health + Hospitals system (H+H) to promote healing, wellness, and engagement.
Grant
Purpose: To expand the New York City Health + Hospitals Arts in Medicine programs that serve health care staff, patients, and communities in public hospitals and long-term care facilities across the City
The Illumination Fund was the major funder for the newly formed Arts in Medicine program, which includes initiatives using the arts as a resource to promote employee wellness and resilience and to combat compassion fatigue, as well as enhancing the patient experience and fostering connections with communities. New or expanded programs include:
- SoulCollage
- Community Murals
- HHArt of Medicine – Visual Art Observation
- The Lullaby Project
- Music & Memory
- Audio Art Tours
- Music for the Soul
- ARC (Arts for Resiliency in Clinicians)
During the Covid-19 crisis, the Illumination Fund provided additional support to assist frontline staff, including basic supplies and services during the peak of the crisis and long-term support for mental health as the pandemic evolves, and the installation of relaxation stations at 15 sites to monitor and alleviate frontline staff stress levels.
2019 Community Mural Project video by David Schulder.
Impact
SoulCollage has engaged about 1,000 staff to help them express and share their experiences and emotions, reduce stress, and increase interpersonal connections. Over 400 staff members have participated in visual art observation training through presentations at new employee orientations, and programs for residents and clinical staff. Community murals were developed and implemented by artists at seven hospitals and long-term care facilities, in collaboration with staff, community members and patients through focus groups, engagement events and paint parties.
