At Warren hospital, art and the community come together to create healing environment
While Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals remains in the forefront of advanced technology and quality innovations, it is now bringing a largely untapped source of care and comfort forward for patients, staff and the community.
The Healing Arts Program developed by Henry Ford Health System in 2006 has made its way to Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals. The addition of literary, performing and visual arts not only adds beauty to the facilities, it positively impacts patients' healing on a deeper level.
"It's fitting that we are introducing this initiative at our Warren hospital," noted Barbara Rossmann, President and CEO of Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals, at a recent reception featuring five local artists. "We are undergoing a significant transformation here, rethinking the ways we deliver care and implementing strategies to exceed the expectations of those we serve."
The healing power of art is well documented. The Healing Arts Program will enhance the patient experience by using art in all its forms - from music to Reiki to visual arts - as positive distractions to reduce pain and stress levels.
The Society for the Arts in Healthcare's research says that the arts can reduce patients' use of pain medication and length of stay in the hospital, and improve compliance with recommended treatments-offering substantial savings in healthcare costs.
"Healthcare is beginning to evolve and better understand the impact on one's surroundings when it comes to healing body, mind and spirit," Rossmann said.
The program aims to attract healthy folks to the Warren and Clinton Township hospitals as well, to make them feel familiar with the facilities if and when they need healthcare. Aside from the permanent art installations at the Warren hospital, the committee is creating a rotating art gallery at the Clinton Township hospital to extend the healing power of art while emulating the cultural diversity of the metropolitan Detroit area.
"The Healing Arts Program gives us a wonderful way to bring the community into our hospitals," says Rossmann. "It will also bring a different kind of giving through sponsorships, programming and of course gifts of art."
Generous donations have already been made to the hospital from community members. Infusing healthcare with art allows more people to be involved in the mission to heal.
To learn more about the Healing Arts Program, contact Kim Woloszyk in the Office of Philanthropy at (586) 759-7605.
Featured Works
"Shade For Helen" by Allison Stewart Brady of Grosse Pointe Farms who creates original art mosaics using hand-painted and hand-cut inlaid glass.
"Candyland" by Lenore Gimpert of Birmingham, who uses a variety of materials in her art and is most focused on form rather than color.
"Saugatuck-Early Morning" by painter Jon Parlangeli of Clawson.
"Road to Epesses" by Monte Nagler, a noted photographer from Farmington Hills.
"Cypress Tree Lane" by Monte Nagler
"Upper Wagner Falls" by Monte Nagler
"Catch A Rainbow" by Stan Megdall of Birmingham who works primarily with glass, creating wall sculptures and flowers.
