 |
|
|
|
|
 |
St. Tammany Parish:
|
|
|
|
The Art of Healing |
| |
by Laura Kalnajs
Serenity and tranquility are words that are not often found in the same sentence as the word hospital. Yet, there’s a new trend in healthcare called the healing arts, based on the belief that our minds and our surroundings play an important role in the healing process. Hospitals all over the country are adding art collections, music, fountains, sensory gardens, etc. to help patients—and their families—deal with the stress of illness and hospitalization.
St. Tammany Parish Hospital, a not-for-profit community hospital located in Covington, recently underwent a $64 million renovation. Careful attention was paid to the healing arts philosophy. The hospital now boasts an art collection, featuring such local artists as Harriet Blum, Priscilla Betz, and John Akers, fountains and a meditation area.
The St. Tammany Parish Hospital Foundation is planning to raise additional money for the hospital’s Healing Arts program, with an initial goal of $75,000. Carolyn Chassee, executive director of the foundation, says, “A multi-faceted Healing Arts program will address the emotional needs of patients and families by creating a soothing, compassionate hospital environment. Lowering stress and increasing the patient’s comfort level not only make patients feel better, but can actually hasten the recovery process.” The money raised will be used to add ceiling and wall murals, more art for the collection, a baby-grand player piano for the lobby, a sensory garden and a tropical aquarium.
Chassee also hopes to “replace fear with fun” for the hospital’s pediatric patients. The foundation plans to purchase some Kidzpace Bedside Systems, which include video games, VCRs and computers in convenient over-the-bed systems that can be easily moved from room to room. Recent research has shown that video games sooth a child’s nerves by providing normality and a little bit of home.
This fundraising effort should appeal to people interested in improving healthcare in the area, as well as to art lovers. The hospital’s staff thinks the philosophy is important enough to make it a part of the employee-giving campaign this year.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Copyright 2006, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved. |
|
bigeasyonline.net |
Home | Advertising Information | Archive of Past Issues | Contact Us