Cancer treatment is an unsettling time in every cancer patient’s journey. At Halifax Health – Cancer Center for Hope we’ve developed the Arts in Medicine program to offer patients and their caregivers a chance to experience the therapeutic benefits of the arts during this time. Arts in Medicine gives patients a way to share who they are as a whole person, rather than one who is defined by a diagnosis.
Each patient’s experiences are responsive to their patient-led goals, not clinical goals, giving the patient an opportunity for relaxation, emotional release, company, entertainment, physical activity, distraction from stress, and time to make and enjoy art.
One-on-One Visual Art Experiences for Patients – One-on-one art experiences to patients by providing chairside art kits during treatment. These kits are designed for patients with any level of art familiarity so that those with no art experience and professional artists can all enjoy the creative process and find an outlet for expression.
Collaborative Visual Art Experiences for Patients, Family Members, and Staff – An artist from the team creates a painting with the help of 10-12 patients. Gathered in a group, patients make suggestions on what to paint, and the artist creates the painting during the session. This piece of art becomes a story told by the patients and the artist together.
Virtual Art Connection – Artist volunteers record and upload projects to the virtual art connection. This video format is an opportunity for patients, family members, and staff to create on their own time when an in-person experience isn’t possible or convenient.
Musical Performances – Music will be used as an outlet for patients, caregivers, and staff to take their minds off the stress of medical treatment.
The mission of the Arts in Medicine program is to enhance the healthcare experience at Halifax Health - Cancer Center for Hope by providing channels for expression and creativity to patients, families, caregivers, and staff.
Arts in Medicine provides creative opportunities that supplement the patient-centered experience, augment a positive workplace, and exhibit compassion toward patients, families, and staff. The arts give those in medical situations a way to share who they are as a whole person, rather than one who is defined by diagnosis. Arts in medicine experiences are responsive to patient-led goals, not clinical goals, giving the patient an opportunity for relaxation, emotional release, entertainment, a distraction from stress, and time to make and enjoy visual and literary arts and music.
Whether you're an artist, poet, musician, or you just want to give your time to make someone's day a little brighter, we are always looking for volunteers who want to share their time and talents.
Interested in volunteering for our Arts in Medicine Program? CLICK HERE for our Volunteer Application.
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Halifax Health will ensure that those we serve are treated with courtesy and respect in a safe, compassionate, and professional environment.
Halifax Health will provide exemplary medical, emotional, and spiritual care for each of our patients and their families.
To be the community healthcare leader through exceptional talent and superior patient-centered service delivered in a financially sustainable manner.
To develop talented teams dedicated to providing competent, accountable patient-centered healthcare in a financially sustainable manner.
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