This November has been declared the 1st Annual National Arts and Health Month by the Society for the Arts in Healthcare located in Washington, DC.  It is also Arts and Health Month in Central Louisiana.  Both Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy and Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields have signed a proclamation declaring the month of November Central Louisiana Arts and Health Month.  In celebration, Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare will be highlighting its programs at our local hospitals.  Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare is a seven-year-old not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide innovative arts experiences in healthcare settings to assist with the healing process.  At Rapides Regional, Cabrini Hospital, and OSMS, we maintain art galleries where art is rotated 6-12 times each year.  During the month of November, the Cabrini gallery (located on the 1st floor of the Outpatient Center across from Radiation) will feature art of Jack Lafaye, the Rapides gallery (located in the South Tower between the lobby and the Emergency Room) will feature the photography of Michelle Palmer and the OSMS waiting room will feature photographs by Dr. Jian Hang.  We will also have a special exhibit of art in the Cabrini Cancer Center featuring art by cancer patients and their family members.  Each Wednesday, artist JoAnne Thompson visits the Cancer Center to facilitate painting and art activities.

Other activities scheduled for November include (dates & times subject to change):

• November 2nd: Presentation of proclamation and “Experience Arts & Healthcare” at the meeting of the Downtown Rotary Club
• November 8th: Singer/Songwriter, DC Sills performs in the Cabrini Outpatient Center Lobby, 2:00pm
• November 10th: The Gary Cathey Band performs in the Cabrini Outpatient Center Lobby, 10:00am – 12:00noon
• November 15th: Pianist, Rodessa Metoyer performs in the Cabrini Outpatient Lobby; 9:00am
• November 16th: We will offer free chair massages to employees at Rapides Regional Medical Center compliments of Blue Cliff College
• November 17th: Classical Guitarist, Chris Craig will perform in the Cabrini Outpatient Center Lobby, 9:30am
• November 23rd: We will offer free chair massages to associates at Cabrini Hospital compliments of Blue Cliff College
• November 30th: Cassandra Davis will dance at Cabrini in the Outpatient Center Lobby and in the Rehab Gym, 9:30am