When Lenza Lettley’s husband had a stroke four years ago, her life changed overnight. A full-time hairstylist, she had to reduce her hours so she could bring her partner of 34 years to speech therapy, memory-care specialists and medical providers, as well as care for him at home. “It was overwhelming,” says the Orange resident.
Fortunately, a health care worker connected Lettley to a New Jersey program called ArtsRx, which allowed her to participate in dance classes at Newark Symphony Hall at no cost. “I get to recharge and feel good,” she says.
ArtsRx is open to residents of Newark and neighboring cities and students and staff at Rutgers-Newark who are enrolled in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. It is currently expanding to include employees of the City of Newark Department of Health and the Division of Cultural Affairs and by year’s end may be available to employees of RWJBarnabas Health as well.
The program, which requires a referral from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, is open to those coping with anxiety, depression, loneliness and caregiving stress. It covers the cost of a wide range of arts experiences: taking a painting, knitting or glassblowing class; attending a dance workshop; playing a musical instrument or even attending a concert or show. Participating venues include NJPAC, Newark Symphony Hall, GlassRoots (a glassblowing studio), Newark Public Library, the Newark Museum of Art, Clement’s Place Jazz, Luna Stage, Newark School of the Arts and Newark Arts.
It is the state’s first arts prescription program and the first in the country to have an insurance carrier as a key partner.
“ArtsRx was created in response to research demonstrating that engagement with the arts increases positive health outcomes,” says Alyson Maier Lokuta, senior director of Arts and Well being at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), which oversees the program. Adds Ketlen Alsbrook, director of Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness. “Whether it’s creating art through artistic expression or appreciating it by visiting a museum or attending a show, engagement with the arts and culture has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.”
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