SaludeArte creation activity supports mental health team as they support others

BACKGROUND: September is Suicide Prevention Month and our SaludArte Program is bringing artist Jen Hughes to work with University Health’s behavioral health team. They are creating a gorgeous and colorful painting using colors inspired by the phrases that they find most motivating: “love for the patient,” “it’s my calling,” and more.

We don’t just believe that art helps people heal – data support it. And our healers also need healing, so in this month we want to show extra support for our counselors, social workers and others working to improve people’s mental health and give them a path toward a better life.

“This project in collaboration with SaludArte gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the reasons we continue to show up for one another and for the patients and families we serve, even when the work is difficult,” said Dr. Abby Lozano, vice president of behavioral health. “By putting those ‘whys’ together into one collective piece of art, we are creating a powerful reminder that hope, purpose, connection, and community can carry us through challenging moments.”

This interactive workshop will be held in the lobby of our Women’s & Children’s Hospital on Friday from 11 a.m.—2 p.m. Alongside the artist and our team, NAMI-San Antonio will have a table where they will provide resources and educate the public on their programs.

This is the second of two workshops, so the art is already in bloom, and you can see it finished out with all the colors of what keeps our teams coming back every day to serve our patients.

WHO:

Behavioral health team members

SaludArte team members

Artist Jen Hughes

Representatives from NAMI-San Antonio

WHAT:

Team members consider a list of motivations, each associated with a different color. Using that color, they will help fill in the work, creating a blooming expression of their personal missions.

• LOVE FOR THE PATIENT: Someone needs me. The patients and families are the reason behind the work.
• BUILDING CONNECTION: I want people to know they’re not alone. Relationships are built through listening, comforting, encouraging, and simply being present are especially meaningful in behavioral health.
• WORKING WITH A LIKE-MINDED TEAM: We carry it together. My coworkers understand, support each other, and make the hardest days manageable while sharing like-minded goals.
• TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: What I do matters. Even when we can't fix everything, I can make something better.
• IT'S MY CALLING: Caring is part of who I am. Helping, healing, advocating, and caring for others feels deeply connected to who I am.
• CREATING HOPE FOR OTHERS: I believe tomorrow can be better. Recovery, healing, progress, and second chances are worth believing in.

WHEN:

Friday, September 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE:

University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital

4502 Medical Drive

San Antonio, Texas