Vicky Jekich , Merina Healing Arts Foundation

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Big Idea

Access to quality health care services is a major problem, particularly in rural communities. Health care facilities typically cut programs due to cost constraints, and creative arts therapy services are not always available, as there are few creative arts therapists in Idaho. Such therapists use dance, music and other forms of artistic engagement.

My idea would help raise awareness and access through technology (such as teleconferencing), strategic partnerships and patient resources while establishing a model that could help address overall health care reforms and improve patient health.

About Vicky Jekich

I have worked or been involved in health care for more than 10 years. I am a certified music practitioner, and I established a family foundation in Boise, Idaho, to support the arts in health care. More recently, I partnered with area artists, musicians, poets, medical professionals and others in the creative arts therapy field to explore the issues and needs affecting patient access to and artist training in creative arts therapy. Through my work, I have had access to advanced telecommunications technology. I realize that such technology can bring creative arts therapy to isolated communities.