FAYETTEVILLE – August 13, 2021 – Cape Fear Valley Health has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County for the health system’s Arts Therapy program.
The grant will help fund the Art Therapy program for the Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit and to support art therapy for outpatient teen group sessions, with a focus on teens from military families.
Launched three years ago, the program has proven to be an effective therapy treatment. Sessions are led by Yael Divon, ATR-P, a certified art therapist.
Mark Gronski, Cape Fear Valley’s Administrative Director for Behavioral Healthcare Services, said patients who attended art therapy classes regularly reported a reduction in symptoms and felt more relaxed afterward.
“We are grateful for the continued partnership of the Arts Council in helping to bring art therapy to the patients in our inpatient Behavioral Health Unit as well as our outpatient Community Mental Health Center,” he said. “This program has enhanced the treatment service offered and has had a positive impact on the patients served.”
This is the 11th year the Arts Council has awarded Cape Fear Valley Health grant money toward art programs. The council’s goal is to strengthen the local community through festivals, concerts, youth education programs, art exhibitions and workshops.
“The Arts Council is pleased to partner with Cape Fear Valley in support of its Art Therapy program,” said Bob Pinson, Interim President and CEO of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. “Project Support Grants for 2021-2022 will help fund arts, culture, and history projects throughout Cumberland County. These initiatives help strengthen our communities through festivals and concerts, youth education programs, art exhibitions, workshops, and more.”