WHO IS THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR ARTS IN HEALTH?

Today I’m very excited to promote NOAH. No, not the Biblical figure of ark fame, but the National Organization for Arts in Health. Their new website is up, along with the announcement of their first annual conference!

NOAH believes that art is integral to well-being; they strive to advance the field of art in health. They’ve gone through some name changes over the years, so while NOAH is brand new, the people and motivation behind it are not. Their mission since 1990:

“To promote the incorporation of the arts as an appropriate, integral component of health care by:

1) demonstrating the valuable role of the arts in enhancing the healing process
2) integrating the arts in the planning, design, and operation of health care facilities
3) developing and managing arts programming for health care populations.”

NOAH'S FIRST ARTS IN HEALTH CONFERENCE

Their first annual conference is coming up this September in Austin, Texas.

Yep, the home of the impressive Dell Children’s Medical Center, who have healing design down. Check out their three acre healing garden, sensory garden, butterfly garden (they’re into gardens), and healing-focused art at their Healing Power of Art and Nature page.

NOAH is partnering with the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo (HFSE) this September 18-20, and are calling for presentations right now!

The HFSE’s annual expo includes hundreds of healthcare design professionals, as well as a wide range of interested folks from educators to manufacturers to scientists to top executives.

WHY USE ART IN HEALTHCARE AGAIN?

Research into the effects of art in healthcare is nothing new. Studies have been showing for decades now that artwork helps the patient in their overall experience, from the waiting room (lower perceived wait times, calming anxiety) to post-operative healing (lower heart rate and blood pressure, lower pain medication requirements, shorter stays).

Not to mention the employees that benefit from greater job satisfaction, thereby reducing turn-over and improving performance among staff.

MORE INFORMATION ON NOAH

Interesting in going, speaking, or just want to find out more? Check the National Organization for Arts Health website to become a member or join their mailing list, or go direct to the NOAH conference white paper, which includes presentation guidelines and a link to apply.