The Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. is one of five new clinical sites for expansion of the Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Department of Defense (DoD).
The Creative Forces program started in 2011 to support creative arts therapies for service members with traumatic brain injury and associated psychological health issues
“At the National Endowment for the Arts, we understand the healing power of the arts, and are honored to work with the Department of Defense on this transformative program,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu.
Research on the impact and benefits of these innovative treatment methods will also be conducted as part of Creative Forces.
“Patients who participate in creative arts therapy acknowledge improvement in sleep, memory, pain, cognitive function, and their ability to confront emotional challenges. It is a privilege to be part of a program that benefits the brave men and women who so proudly serve our country, as well as the caregivers and families who support them,” Chu said.
American troops dedicate their lives and make incredible sacrifices to preserve our safety and freedom. Supporting a successful transition back into society, especially for those who have been injured as a result of their service, has been the focus of a partnership between the NEA and the Department of Defense.
“It’s an honor to be a part of this wonderful project,” said Secretary Susan Kluttz of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “Arts not only bring a higher quality of life, spark economic development and create jobs. Arts also heal and this is a great example of that power.”
"The men and women serving in our military make sacrifices every day for our country," said Wayne Martin, Executive Director of the North Carolina Arts Council. "It is a privilege for the North Carolina Arts Council to collaborate with Camp Lejeune, the Marine Corps, and the National Endowment for the Arts to create and support arts programs that serve the needs of our armed forces, veterans and their families."
In fiscal year 2016, Congress authorized a $1.98 million budget increase for the NEA, specifically allocated to expand this military healing arts program. Creative Forces extends creative arts therapies to ten additional locations by 2017. The NEA is providing funding for creative arts therapists, including, but not limited to, art and music therapists, creative writing instructors, as well as program support at these locations.
“Placing creative arts therapies at the center of an integrated multidisciplinary team confronting the ‘invisible wounds’ brought on by traumatic brain injuries and associated psychological health conditions has actually helped provide visibility to some of these injuries, resulting in improved communication and accelerated healing incorporating the entire treatment team,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Walt Greenhalgh, director for the NICoE. “We are delighted to be working with the National Endowment for the Arts to help bring these benefits to bear for more military populations at military and veteran treatment facilities across the nationally expanding Creative Forces network.”