PILOT PROGRAM*
Large blank canvases were set-up in staff rooms, with paint supplies nearby and a simple direction sheet in sight. Whenever medical staff needed a break, they were encouraged to paint. After consistent monitoring and feedback, it became evident this program is not only justified during the Pandemic; healthcare workers are always in need of more activities specifically geared towards improving their mental health. We found that utilizing art as a tool for improving the morale and mental health of medical staff notably improved the quality of care given.
In 2023, the focus will be on underserved hospitals within the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache Nations, with whom we have pre-established relationships with that were initiated in 2020 during the first iteration of the program. We will provide blank canvas installations, art supplies, and unique and targeted educational information to staff rooms in order to benefit staff morale and mental health.
* All hospitals are within the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache Nations and are located within a 200 mile radius of each other.
These hospitals are relevant because they are:
Native American Reservations generally receive notably less access to artistic opportunity. They are deprived of access to education, food (the reservations can be understood as “food deserts” – often, one might need to drive hours to the nearest supermarket), and other basic necessities. As a result, spending towards the arts is significantly lower than other areas in the US.
These hospitals are ethnically and economically underserved because they are within historically disenfranchised communities.
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, there was an overwhelming amount of PPE donations directed towards the Navajo nation. However, during this time, nothing specific was provided to benefit the morale of the overwhelmed frontline medical staff. Each of the 6 hospitals listed above were so appreciative of our program, and often remarked how much this would help their staff past the Pandemic.
The Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States, spans across the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and traditional Navajo artistry, it is home to a vibrant community with a deep connection to their ancestral land. The Navajo Nation embodies a resilient spirit, preserving their traditions while adapting to the modern world.
The Hopi Nation, is celebrated for its ancient culture and spiritual traditions. Nestled atop 3 mesas, the Hopi people maintain a strong connection to the land, practicing agriculture and intricate crafts. Their Katsina religious ceremonies and intricate pottery are renowned, reflecting their unique heritage. The Hopi Nation's commitment to preserving their customs in a modern world showcases their deep-rooted resilience.
The Apache Nation comprises various Native American tribes residing in the Southwest and is known for their strong warrior traditions. The Apaches maintain a deep connection to their ancestral lands, demonstrating cultural richness through vibrant dances, intricate basketry, and profound reverence for the natural world. Their heritage perseveres, reflecting a strong sense of identity and resilience in the face of modern challenges.
Coming Soon
Indicator examples include # of hospital partnerships, # of canvases sent, # of resulting images shared, which symbols and colors were more prevalent on each hospital’s canvas, amount of blank space left on the canvas, amount of time it takes for a canvas to be full. We focus on outputs that can not only be indicators of the volume of participation, but rather place an emphasis on understanding the resiliency and morale levels of the hospital staff that participate.
A 99-bed hospital, on the border of the Navajo Reservation. The workload at Gallup is one of the largest in the Indian Health Service with 250,000 outpatient encounters and 5,800 inpatient admissions annually. GIMC has the largest staff of all Navajo Area IHS facilities.
A 73-bed, acute and outpatient regional health system organized as a private nonprofit healthcare. Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, a Joint Commission accredited health center, provides services to a 6,000 square mile area and serves as a referral center for the western part of the Navajo and Hopi Reservations.
Flagstaff Medical Center is a standout regional hospital distinguished by its high-quality care and specialty services, including an award-winning spine surgery program; comprehensive inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services; and the only Level 1 Trauma Center north of Phoenix.
A 25 bed inpatient facility offering the following key services: radiology, pharmacy, telemedicine, and a 24/7 Emergency Room. Specialized clinics also serve the community including a Dental Clinic, Diabetes Clinic and a Behavioral Health Clinic. The hospital also operates three field clinics which are located in Greasewood, Wide Ruins, and Sanders.
A 21 bed Critical Access Hospital. White Mountain Regional Medical Center is currently a Level 4 Trauma Center, and also received Pediatric Emergency Certification. White Mountain Regional Medical Center will provide caring services and operate on a financially sound basis to ensure its continuing ability to meet the needs of patients and the communities it serves.
Coordinate kick-off meetings with staff (via zoom) to discuss process, installation, and support offered.
Project-packs prepared
Email / phone check-in’s and PTW staff available, as needed.
Re-engage all stakeholders. Send project plan, proposed timeline, outputs, etc.
Fully engage stakeholders through a group kick-off call via zoom. Officially launch project. Send preliminary project materials shortly thereafter.
Drop off project-packs at all 6 participating hospitals. Help set-up. Run first workshop with hospital staff.
2nd round of site visits. Replenish materials. Run second workshop with hospital staff based on previous engagement. Administer quantitative and qualitative surveys. 1st panel with analysts.
Final round of site visits. Replenish materials. Run third workshop with hospital staff based on previous engagement. Administer quantitative and qualitative surveys. 2nd panel with analysts.
Final internal After Action Review (AAR). Share results with all stakeholders and produce culminating impact report.
If you are a current Paint the World Ambassador and you have misplaced the Ambassador Portal web address, please reach out to angela@painttheworld.com
If you would like to become a Paint the World Ambassador, please learn more here.