CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Novant Health launched a new initiative to explore and celebrate the intersection of the arts and healing. The initial $500,000 investment aims to provide increased opportunities for the community to engage with art as a well-being practice. In addition to supporting local creatives, programming will focus the healing power of arts for patients and caregivers, including healthcare workers.
“Our goal is to create a healthier future for Charlotte, and we recognize that well-being requires more than traditional medicine,” said Dr. Sid Fletcher, senior vice president and president of Novant Health’s Charlotte region. “We have seen firsthand the remarkable impact art can have on our patients and their loved ones, and we’re proud to extend the reach of our local artists to create spaces of comfort and connection. Art is powerful: It can inspire healing, and when paired with the incredible expertise of our doctors and nurses, it can be transformative. This initiative, as well as our partnerships with the Charlotte Symphony and others, is part of our larger commitment to ensure our patients thrive.”
The powerful connection between arts and healing is evident, as studies have shown exposure to and participation in the arts can play a role in lessening the severity of chronic pain, stress and anxiety. According to the American Journal of Public Health, consistent interaction with art, including intentionally listening to music, has been shown to increase immune system responsiveness. Such studies have demonstrated the need for this new initiative as well as other Novant Health programs, including The Arts in Health program, funded by the Novant Health Foundation, which serves patients at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital and the Novant Health Cancer Institute.
Some of the initiative’s programming is already underway and includes support of The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s pilot program Charlotte Art on Prescription, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, Charlotte Ballet and the Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops series as well as a concert at the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic - North End.
In the coming months, Novant Health will collaborate with Charlotte is Creative to work with local artists to develop additional programming and points of connection. Initial plans include visual and performance art, including art therapy, the installation of murals and wall art produced by local artists, activities for patients and community-based arts events for vulnerable populations.
Seven Novant Health facilities in the Charlotte region will be part of the inaugural programming, including Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center, Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.
Photos from the event can be downloaded here using access code NovantHealth123!
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our more than 40,000 team members along with more than 8,500 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2023, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
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