Arts In Healthcare
is a nation-wide movement that links the expressive arts with
the healing arts and brings these into the mainstream of the
traditional healthcare to promote the well-being of those who
are ill and their caregivers. It integrates the expressive arts
in all forms into the healthcare setting to provide creative
outlets for patients, families, and staff.
The inherent goal in Arts
In Healthcare is to humanize the care provided while offering
creative channels for expression, stress reduction, and
enhancement of positive thought processes. Basic beliefs of the
program are that there is an "artist" within each of us and no
talent or training is necessary to experience the rewards of
creative expression.
Since its inception in
April 1997, Lee Memorial Health System's Arts In Healthcare
Program has developed into a multifaceted program offering a
broad spectrum of creative arts to all ages and has become an
integral part of health care within the hospital setting.
Affiliation with Lee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Florida Very
Special Arts grants, and private contributors, has provided
opportunities for the expansion of the program.
