"A year ago, Traedana Odom didn't like to go out much. She was struggling with depression, lived more than an hour away from her family, and mostly left the house to catch a movie or go to her medical appointments. That changed last December, when her doctor suggested she try something new, and connected her to the Art Pharmacy. It's a new company that connects healthcare organizations and community groups with the goal of bolstering patients' participation in social and artistic activities"
"A play was the first of a dozen "doses" of the arts prescribed to the 35-year-old. She's since joined a monthly paint-and-sip style class, and says they've "got me opening up." She's laughing with strangers and coming out of her shell, and says her depression has lessened. "Before I started the Art Pharmacy, I really didn't want to befriend anyone," she tells me. "I'm actually getting out of the house more, and I actually made a friend at one of the events.""
Traedana Odom was isolated and depressed, rarely leaving home except for movies and medical appointments, until her doctor connected her to the Art Pharmacy. The Art Pharmacy links healthcare organizations and community groups to bolster patient participation in social and artistic activities. Social prescribing gives patients specific referrals to community services or people who prescribe suitable activities such as knitting groups, dance classes, or run clubs. Doctors traditionally advised exercise and diet but lacked resources to address loneliness and help patients access social activities. Since founding in 2022, the Georgia-based Art Pharmacy expanded to nine states and lists about 35,000 available activities. Participation in prescribed arts activities reduced Odom's depression and increased social engagement.
Read at Business Insider
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