ArtsCare program integrates art and healing
To integrate the arts into the process of healing, Samaritan uses resources available through ArtsCare, an innovative program that places artists in local hospitals. The ArtsCare program involves nearly 20 specially-trained artists who work regularly with patients in areas such as dialysis, ambulatory infusion, medical/surgical units, cardiac rehabilitation, mental health and the Mario Pastega guest house.
The artists work in media including clay, drawing, painting, printmaking, fiber art, quilting, doll making, fabric crafts, and many forms of writing. In addition, participating musicians visit the hospital regularly to provide the healing sounds of the harp, viola, guitar and voice. ArtsCare artists also partner with hospital staff to offer a series of six-week workshops for cancer survivors and caregivers. They also complete commissioned artwork for public spaces and patient care areas throughout the Samaritan system.
In 2009, ArtsCare received special recognition from the Society for the Arts in Healthcare. That national organization awarded ArtsCare a consulting grant to support the development of a strategic plan and a long-range funding plan for the ArtsCare program. That society also selected Jana Kay Slater, Ph.D., director of Samaritan’s Center for Health Research and Quality, to present a paper titled: “Arts and Charts: Evaluating Healing Arts Programs” at the society’s annual conference.
ArtsCare programs are supported by Samaritan Health Services, The Arts Center in Corvallis and the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts. Of particular note is the ArtsCare Fund, created by local residents Bob and Kitty Bunn in 2004, and since then supported by grants and financial gifts from like-minded donors. Earnings from the fund support programs and projects at Samaritan-affiliated hospitals and other health care providers in the region.
If you are interested in donating to the ArtsCare Fund, simply contact the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation at (541) 768-4256. Or, contact jlarson@samhealth.org