Wellness boxes help mental health patients recover through the arts at home

SPOKANE, Wash. — Maintaining good mental health has never been more important, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s because of this that Passages Family Support in Spokane is continuing their essential services.

One of their programs is called ‘Recovery Through the Arts’ and while patients can’t meet in person for this program, Passages is accommodating those who want to do art from home.

Program volunteers have now started delivering wellness boxes to those who want to continue making art at home.

Whether it’s painting, fibers or wood-working, each box is filled with materials based on the requests of their patients.

Facilitator of the program, Priscilla Barnett said she’s even done Zoom meetings with patients to see what they’re working on or to virtually work on a piece with them.

“Sometimes we find that people might use broken glass, sometimes they might just want to paint, they might want to splash paint, they might want to work with their hands on three-dimensional projects,” she said. “So basically, everything is a part of recovery if you look at it that way.”

Copyright 4 News Now

Copyright 4 News Now

The wellness boxes are put together and delivered a few times a week based on need and availability.

Patients have also been asked to send in pictures of their creations.

“We try to meet individuals where they are. If they’re having a hard time, they need someone there. And so our services are considered essential because we want to ensure that their mental health continues throughout this time. Because it’s difficult for everyone,” said Barnett.

Passages Family Support sees mental health patients from youth to adulthood and it’s not too late to become one if you need help.

Set up a virtual telehealth session now on their website.