News Release: LHIP Mental Health Workgroup Launches From the Heart: Creative Expressions in Mental Wellness
Friday, March 8, 2024- The Mental Health Workgroup of the Local Health Improvement Process has launched a community-wide campaign titled From the Heart: Creative expressions in mental wellness! This 10-month long campaign will foster an inclusive and compassionate community by embracing the power of art to challenge social stigmas surrounding mental health.
From the Heart intends to create a safe and supportive space where individuals can freely express themselves and explore the intersection between creativity and mental wellness. Our monthly community events will provide opportunities for grassroots participation in various artistic endeavors, helping us raise awareness about art’s vital role in nurturing mental well-being.
The very first event, Voices of Color, hosted by Transformative Arts Project, was an outstanding success as over 40 community members came out to Frederick Arts Council on Friday, February 16th to spotlight local Black artists in honor of Black History Month. Participants immersed themselves in an energizing drum circle, listened to powerful spoken word performances, filled their hearts with moving musical performances, and more. Chef Trini from Taste of the Island catered the event with a delicious menu, including mini chicken and waffles, cheesecakes, and jerk chicken sandwiches.
Barbara Pinnock, Executive Director of the Community of Grace Organization, conducted a peaceful and rejuvenating sound bath during the event. When asked about how art as a form of therapy impacts her mental health and wellness, Barbara shared, “Art provides me with a therapeutic outlet to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance emotional awareness and expression, and cultivate mindfulness- all of which contribute to finding joy and meaningful life experiences. The benefits I experience of using art lie in its ability to communicate deeply with another soul and through sound healing. This method serves as a non-verbal outlet for challenging emotions, providing a distinctive avenue for healing and personal development.”
In the coming months, From the Heart will be hosting events throughout Frederick County to emphasize the healing potential of creative expression in promoting mental health and wellness. Events such as Feeling Artful and Colors of Pride will work to break down barriers and normalize mental health awareness, while eradicating
the stigma attached to mental health issues. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a society that celebrates and values the connection between art and mental wellness.
You can read more about Voices of Color here: https://healthierfrederick.org/news/from-the-heart-presents-voices-of-color
The next event, Colors of Compassion, will take place on Saturday, March 16th from 5-8:30pm at New Spire Arts. This evening will showcase how survivors of intimate partner violence have utilized art in their healing journey. (Adult content warning). Register and learn more about the event here.
Check out From the Heart’s webpage and social media channels to view a Calendar of Events and stay up to date on upcoming events!
Webpage: https://healthierfrederick.org/fromtheheart
Instagram: @FromtheHeart.2024
Facebook: From the Heart 2024
About the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County: The Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County engages in non-legislative advocacy and in system integration and coordination in order to improve wellness and resiliency to equitably impact the lifelong health of all Frederick County residents.
Media contact: Malcolm Furgol Executive Director, Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County Malcolm@HealthierFrederick.org D: 240-566-3558 C: 240-739-289