Merina Healing Arts Foundation

09/25/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FJq44WyRu/

Research demonstrates how participating in the arts benefits our mental health:
▶️ Clinical research shows 45 minutes of artistic activity reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) by 25%
▶️ 60% of Americans report arts help them cope during mental or emotional distress
▶️ 69% experience arts as an elevating force beyond everyday experiences

These findings aren’t just statistics—they’re evidence of arts’ vital role in public health strategy. As organizations increasingly focus on employee wellbeing, arts programming emerges as a proven tool for stress reduction and emotional resilience.

But this mental health infrastructure is under threat as Congress debates funding:
▶️ House proposes 35% cuts to NEA and NEH
▶️ Senate proposes maintaining current levels
▶️ Final decisions still ahead as bills move through negotiations

Whether you’re painting, dancing, singing, writing, or drawing…you’re actually practicing self-care! Mental health matters, and art is a powerful tool for wellbeing.

👉 Take action: Protect arts funding nationwide at https://bit.ly/3GBG8Bt

09/18/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BSZ9wrnV3/

07/27/2025

In early June, the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative released a "groundbreaking economic impact study showing that music engagement provided to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, delivers significant quality-of-life benefits to both these individuals and their caregivers."

View the complete report here: https://www.neuroartsresourcecenter.com/post/alzheimers-disease-music-engagement-quality-of?preview=true

A groundbreaking new economic analysis from the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative—backed by AARP and conducted by Deloitte—has revealed what many in our field have long understood: music engagement is not just meaningful, it’s cost-effective.

07/27/2025

Recognizing all who are involved in delivering, supporting & funding arts in health care services. Keeping communities healthy...touching lives through healing arts!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19QGS7gYCd/

07/15/2025

We're absolutely thrilled to announce that the Merina Healing Arts Foundation has officially joined the Hope City family & is one of our sponsors! Get ready to experience the incredible, comforting, and joyful power of therapeutic arts. Merina Healing Arts specializes in bringing comfort and peace to those who are critically or chronically ill, or under hospice care, through the beautiful expressions of music, painting, dance, art, and poetry. To learn more: https://www.facebook.com/merinahealingarts

07/15/2025

Take note: social prescribing may be just what the doctor orders...

Doctors are writing "social prescriptions" to get people engaged with nature, art, movement and volunteering. Research shows it can help with mental health, chronic disease and dementia.

06/23/2025

For those interested in arts in health education...

Thinking of attending the 2025 Arts in Health Intensive but finances are holding you back? This is your sign to apply for our scholarship to attend 🤩

💰 Scholarships are available—apply now to receive support toward your registration for the Arts in Health Intensive 2025 this September! Applications close on July 20th, 2025, with results announced by August 8th 💰

With the guidance of leaders in the Arts in Health field, folks from all levels of experience are invited to explore the role of the arts in healthcare and public health! Join us for workshops, creative activities and networking opps designed to amplify your ability to harness the arts for better health and well-being. Be part of the movement creating a healthier world through arts and culture 🎭🎵🧠🩺

🎨 When: September 2nd - 4th, 2025
🚀 Where: Gainesville, Florida

🔗 Registration & Scholarship Info: https://bit.ly/ArtsInHealthIntensive

UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine, UF College of the Arts

06/17/2025

"Managing the various symptoms and anxieties that often accompany cancer through music therapy...is as effective as traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology..."

A cancer patient who used music therapy after she was found to be allergic to the medicine prescribed for treatment, "...I realized if I can manage my stress and my emotions, that I would have the best chances of surviving, even though I was taken off of treatment."

A new study shows that music therapy is as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy at helping cancer patients and survivors heal emotionally.

05/02/2025

It's the final hour of Idaho Gives--thanks to all who have contributed to Merina Healing Arts Foundation and other non-profit organizations --your support means a lot!

You still have time to make a donation using this link: https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/merina-healing-arts

And to support your own healing journey through the arts, try the traditional paper folding art of origami. Many resources are available to show how origami can be used for mental health & well-being, providing focus, calmness, and stress reduction. To learn more about mindfulness origami, check out this link: https://tulsiorigami.com/blogs/blog-post/origami-for-mindfulness-how-paper-folding-can-reduce-stress

MHA has worked with Boise State University Japan Club and a local corporate employer's multi-cultural affinity group to make origami paper cranes. This work resulted in a couple of garlands of 1,000 paper cranes, also known as a senbazuru, that were gifted to local hospitals, as they are a symbol of peace and serve to bring hope and healing to patients, caregivers and visitors.

05/01/2025

It's the last day of the Idaho Gives campaign! If you haven't already, please consider making a donation of any size. You'll be supporting arts in health programs, training & educational activities that help patients, families, artists and healthcare workers.

Grateful thanks to all who have given of their time, talent & treasure to our mission...we couldn't do it without you!!

Donate here: https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/merina-healing-arts
Learn more about MHA on our website: https://www.merinahealingarts.org/themhastory.html

I’m ready to support Merina Healing Arts Foundation on April 28, 2025 during Idaho Gives 2025. Learn more about Merina Healing Arts Foundation and all the other organizations participating in Idaho Gives 2025.

04/30/2025

It's Day 3 of Idaho Gives! Your donations help Merina Healing Arts advance its mission to support patient & caregiver access, raise community awareness, and assist artist training in expressive arts therapies in healthcare settings. Check out a few examples that highlight the research & benefits of therapeutic music and dance.

You can make a donation using this link https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/merina-healing-arts