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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 14, 2026 | The Indian Eye 26

NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Unveils Art Exhibit for

Behavioral Health Patients with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Jacobi Hospital’s Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Center (CATC) art exhibit showcases a selection of

artwork that inspires calmness, reflection, and stillness, in a space defined by constant movement and care

NEERAJ DHAR

Bronx, NY
YC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi’s Com-
prehensive Addiction Treatment Center
N(CATC) unveiled a new art exhibit from
NYC Health + Hospitals’ art collection that fea-
tures works by Jim Dine, Charles Ford, Michael
Manning, Gilbert Michaud, and many others. The
exhibit showcases a selection of artwork that inspire
calmness, reflection, and stillness, in a space defined
by constant movement and care. The fifteen works
emphasize color, rhythm, and organic form. Michael
Manning’s Porcelain fills the space with color and
quiet beauty, contributing to an uplifting environ-
ment where a sense of support and resilience can be
felt. Works such as Jim Dine’s 8 Hearts, and Gilbert
Michaud’s Irises introduce harmony and warmth,
while Dano’s Floral by Charles Ford evokes a sense NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi CEO Chris Mastromano, COO Jordana Bailey, CMIO Daran Kaufman, CXO Donna Geiss, Chair of
of belonging and community. Abstract and visually
engaging works are particularly effective in health- Behavioral Health Dr. Maryann Popiel with Jacobi Hospital’s Behavioral Health Team (Jacqueline Hunter, Shani Bennett, Lisa
care settings, offering patients and staff opportu- Ramroop, Sonia Haynes, Tiffany Lu, Sherrifa Bailey)
nities for contemplative engagement. By inviting
reflection and personal interpretation, these works
can help reduce stress and foster a sense of healing.
In addition, Jacobi Hospital’s outpatient ad-
diction clinic, also known as CATC, has been pilot-
ing art immersion experiences at art exhibits in the
community, an under-utilized resource for social
connection. The art immersion experience oper-
ates in three stages, consisting of an introductory
primer group session, a group museum visit, and a
follow-up debriefing session in collaboration with
staff from NYC Health + Hospitals Arts in Medi-
cine and a community-based arts education group, no. “When our patients walk through the doors to
the National Guild for Community Arts Education. this department, I hope they take a moment to view
Over two dozen CATC patients at Jacobi Hospital the artwork, reflect on the feelings it brings up, and
have had the opportunity to participate in these art continue to be curious about art.”
immersion experiences, including visits to the Gug- “We have a large collection selected from over
genheim and Frick museums. 100% of the patients 8,000 art works, and this exhibit is especially exciting
found it rewarding and wanted to join more art ex- because it features large pieces to activate the envi-
hibit visits in the future. ronment of the Behavioral Health unit,” said NYC
With the introduction of the art work in the clin- Health + Hospitals’ Arts in Medicine Curatorial
ical spaces, patients who have participated in the art and Community Engagement Associate Emireth
immersion experiences reported increasing comfort Herrera Valdés. “The art works selected by NYC feelings of joy and possibility. It has truly been trans-
and appreciation of art as a form of social connection Health + Hospitals Arts in Medicine were created formative in the options it has created.”
and healing. Patients who have not yet participated in by diverse artists with a diverse audience of patients “It has been such a joy to witness firsthand the
the art immersion experiences have also been inquir- in mind. This was the chosen unit to display these healing, growth and genuine excitement we see
ing about future opportunities to do so. In addition to large pieces of abstract work to help inspire new within our patients through the incorporation of art
art immersion trips, CATC is also working on helping moods and emotions.” therapy and immersive art experiences,” said NYC
patients sign up for NYC IDs to facilitate free or dis- “I couldn’t be more excited about this art exhib- Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Mental Health Coun-
counted entry to community-focused art shows. it!” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Chair of selor Rachel Yeung. “Many of our patients have
“Thank you to the NYC Health + Hospitals Behavioral Services Dr. Maryann Popiel. “This Arts shared that these experiences have inspired a new-
Arts in Medicine team for the generous donation. in Medicine programming and the art installation found appreciation for the arts while also instilling
We are incredibly grateful to receive this inspiring for our CATC has created an opportunity for our renewed hope and motivation within their healing
art exhibit!” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | patients to have easy and supported access to the journey. It’s truly an inspiring reminder of the power
North Central Bronx CEO Christopher Mastroma- world of art. This new exposure has led to increased of art in mental health and substance use recovery.”

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