CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER USES ART TO PROMOTE WELLNESS

A community health center in one of Connecticut's largest cities is focusing on art’s healing powers during National Health Center Week, Aug. 2-8.

The Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center in New Haven began its "HeART of Healing" initiative in 2020. CEO Michael Taylor wanted art in the centers to promote health and well-being for patients and staff.

Sheila McKoy, owner of SDM Art Solution Services, was brought in by Taylor to commission and curate artworks. McKoy explained the process artists used to create them.

"We would have them visit the facilities, talk to some of the doctors, talk to Mister Taylor and then come up with a concept of what they saw happening in the space," McKoy outlined.

Feedback has been positive, with people noting art makes them more at ease when at the doctor. A key part of the program has been commissioning local up-and-coming artists and pieces are moved between Cornell Health Center locations to avoid stagnation. McKoy added the program is looking to expand and garner more funding for future projects.

Jasmine Nikole, one growing artist commissioned by the initiative, is a former engineer who created "The Child I Am," a painting of a little boy playing in the grass while surrounded by positive affirmations. Nikole described what inspired it.

"The idea behind it is to remind children and adults that we are these things, and sometimes we need that constant reminder because the world places so many other labels on us. It’s important for us to stay grounded into who we actually are," Nikole explained.

Nikole added she is now receiving more questions from people about viewing her other artwork. Nikole observed people love the piece and feel it calms kids down in the waiting room.

2026-08-06T00:12:41Z