December 9, 2010

South Dakota: The Journey of Healing in the Arts

The Journey of Healing in the Arts is a collaborative program of the Sanford Cancer Center and the South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC). In combination with standard medical treatments, the Journey of Healing in the Arts uses creative activities to enhance patient care as well as to provide support for family members and other caregivers. This program provides numerous opportunities for patients to participate in positive, enriching and therapeutic arts projects as they cope with various stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Photo copyright: Sanford Health

Activities are conducted by artists in residence supported by SDAC and the program is led by an artist experienced with Sanford’s clinical programs and care philosophy. Resident artists rotate through the Sanford Cancer Center, Sanford Children’s Hospital and Sanford University of South Dakota Medical Center Inpatient Oncology Unit. The artists work with patients and family members with the primary goal of reducing stress and pain. After creating “Bottles of Hope” with artists and volunteers, patients have opportunities to engage in poetry, journaling, sculpture and painting.

Participating patients have experienced multiple benefits from the Journey of Healing in the Arts program, including lowered blood pressure, reduced stress and an opportunity to express their emotions. The program also uses an internship component to involve local college students in organizing activities, assisting patients and documenting the program.

For information about SDAC’s role in this collaboration, contact SDAC Executive Director Michael Pangburn or Assistant Director Rebecca DallaGrana. Visit the Sanford Cancer Center’s Journey of Healing in the Arts page for an informational video.