May 28, 2004

Healing hearts with the arts

"Art brings joy to even the most hardened souls," said Joe MacDonald, a guest speaker, former homeless person and a featured artist, at a reception to celebrate the 19-year relationship between the MGH and the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP). The reception — held under the Bulfinch Tent May 21 — displayed artwork from homeless men and women recovering at the Barbara M. McInnis House, a 24-hour medical respite care unit for homeless adults. Artwork also was displayed along the hallway across from Coffee Central from May 17 to 28.

Brilliant, colorful drawings and paintings lined the tent where MacDonald spoke about the joy and hope the art program at the McInnis House brings to its patients.

Other speakers included Joan Quinlan, of MGH Community Benefit Program; Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH; and Jim O'Connell, MD, president of the BHCHP. They spoke about the relationship between the MGH and the BHCHP and the creation of the McInnis House. "I am very proud this hospital has a longstanding commitment to helping those who are less fortunate," said Slavin.

The BHCHP at MGH is supported in part by the MGH Community Benefit Program.