The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. provides funding and volunteers for art program
Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 8, 2015 – Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital has received a $2,500 grant from the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. to help fund an art program for children receiving care. The Junior League of Charlotte will also provide 18 volunteers to staff the program.
Art programs account for more than 800 patient interactions at Hemby Children's Hospital annually. Beginning today, Junior League of Charlotte volunteers will work with the staff at Novant Health to plan and execute craft projects for patients. The programming will be adaptable based on skill level, physical limitations and developmental needs of the children participating.
The art program is designed to normalize the hospital environment, reduce anxiety, maximize coping skills and decrease pain during the hospital stay. It also seeks to increase art appreciation and expose children to new mediums and creative opportunities. This program will be offered to children admitted to Hemby Children's Hospital and their siblings.
According to Elizabeth Gray, child life program coordinator at Hemby Children's Hospital, both patients and caregivers report reductions in anxiety and pain management after participating in art or music programming.
"It is a joy to witness the benefit that art and creativity provides to the patients here at Hemby Children's Hospital," said Gray. "We are very grateful to the women at the Junior League of Charlotte who are allowing us to continue this vital program for our patients."
Lisa L. Johnson, President of the Junior League of Charlotte, is happy the Junior League can partner with Hemby Children's Hospital. This program will provide children with activities that address the physical and mental needs of healing and recovery through the use of art according to Johnson.
"Junior League of Charlotte volunteers will be a source of respite for children receiving hospital care," said Johnson. "We are very thankful for the partnership with Hemby Children's Hospital and look forward to being a bright moment in a child's life during their hospital stay."
For more information about Hemby Children's Hospital, visit NovantHealth.org/hemby. For more information or to get involved with the Junior League of Charlotte, visit jlcharlotte.org.
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