Media Advisory: Young UCSF Patients Rethink Hospital Gowns in Art Therapy Program

By Juliana Bunim

Journals ProjectPatients often contribute to journals as part of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital's art therapy program.

WHAT: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital is holding its 2nd annual Art Day featuring a red carpet fashion show featuring hospital gowns completely redesigned by young hospital patients, some of whom will be on hand to talk with news media about their work. Other activities include a photo booth, where patients can insert themselves into famous works of art, and professional artists who will share their artistic processes.

The art therapy program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital provides a creative way for children and their families to communicate and better cope with their hospital experience. Art therapy encourages patient engagement, expression and an increased understanding of the emotional impact of illness and medical treatment. The Child Life Department recognizes the integral role hospital child life programs play in the healing process and works with children, teens and their families to ensure that each child's developmental and emotional needs are met.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, 505 Parnassus Ave., Sixth Floor Courtyard

WHO:

  • Suzanne Yau, Art Therapist, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital
  • Michael Towne, Child Life Services Manager
  • Patient Artists and Their Families

CONTACT: Media planning to attend should RSVP to Juliana Bunim at (415) 476-8810 or [email protected].

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital creates an environment where children and their families find compassionate care at the forefront of scientific discovery, with more than 150 experts in 50 medical specialties serving patients throughout Northern California and beyond. The hospital admits about 5,000 children each year, including 2,000 babies born in the hospital.

For more information, visit http://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/.