Save the Art Studios

Background Information: The Vancouver Coastal Health mental health program The Art Studios is closing after 21 years. This recovery-through-art program is member-driven and provides ongoing mental health Primary Care and Rehabilitation for it's 600 members. The safe atmosphere of The Art Studios arises directly from having Occupational Therapists and Rehabilitation Assistants on-site who are trained in mental health issues and who are able to intervene when a member is in crisis. Member participation in The Art Studios reduces an individual member's need for other mental health services and psychiatric hospitalizations. This model program is unique in Canada and has been proven effective.