NYC hospitals find creative way to reduce staff stress with art

Metro

by Alyssa Guzman

Some hospitals in New York City are taking creative approaches to reduce stress and anxiety among their staff, which has been described as a “breath of fresh air.”

NYC Health + Hospitals recently expanded its long-standing artist-in-residence program, offering classes in a variety of mediums to those in its care and expanding the program to include staff. And one of her five new teachers is a former patient and knows first-hand how beneficial it can be to receive treatment. It can be an outlet for creativity.

“It helped me. It really relieved my nerves,” Wilhelmina Grant Cooper, a Harlem-based artist and two-time breast cancer survivor, told the Thursday Post.

The program, part of Health + Hospital’s Medical Arts Department, helped her relax while undergoing treatment at Bellevue Hospital in 2008 and motivated her, at age 52, to pursue her artistic dreams. I gave it. She previously completed her nine-year artist training at another institution. She began teaching at Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx in December as part of this expanded effort.

“Studies show that incorporating artists into healthcare settings provides new outlets for patients, families, and caregivers to relieve daily stress and find joy,” said Arts in Medicine vice president. President Larissa Trinder said in a statement.

She told the Thursday Post that the directors of five health and hospital pilot facilities in Gotham Health, Lincoln, North Central Bronx, Kings County, and Elmhurst are considering expanding artist-in-residence programs. He said he sees it as a “staffing need.”

The program has been well-received by staff, according to an anonymous staff feedback survey reviewed by the Post from the North Central Bronx facility.

“It’s relaxing and fun. It’s a great way to express yourself,” one participant wrote.

“A breath of fresh air and an activity of pure joy. I loved being able to express my creative side. [at] Work and relax,” another person shared.

“Good! Everyone was in a happy mood. I enjoyed it. [and] We are looking forward to other programs,” one employee added.

“Extending the program to our staff will improve health and resiliency and bring much-needed comfort and care to those who work tirelessly for us every day.” said Laurie Tisch, founder of the namesake foundation that helped launch and support In Medicine. 2019.

In addition to Grant Cooper, the year-long paid artist-in-residence is Nikki Shiloh, who is based at Gotham Health Hospital. Cibere Vieira of the North Central Bronx. Livia Hihinosen Ohihoin of Kings County. and Carla Torres of Elmhurst.

Health + Hospitals says classes in everything from painting, drawing and photography to creative writing, botanical printing and fabric dyeing will be held weekly and will include regular artist exhibitions for staff.

“They need stress relief,” Grant Cooper said, adding that while some staff find it difficult to find time to participate, he sees art “exploding” from those who do. He added that he had seen it.

“They seem to be talking about it all week.”

Our creative staff resides in the employee lounge and offers classes ranging from 15 minutes to an hour in card and jewelry making, fiber art, and more.

“While this program is designed to involve both patients and staff, we want to focus on groups individually to provide a customized experience for each group,” Trinder said. Stated.

Hospital staff are always busy caring for patients, so Grant Cooper likes to find short activities to engage in during downtime to help patients feel safe and get creative.

In just two months, she has seen them “bloom.”

“I’m just there for the staff, and I think that’s great.”