LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Creative Arts Therapy for being an
integral part of the Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital for
nearly 20 years

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts
of those organizations which provide vital mental health services to
individuals and their families, and in doing so, enhance the health and
welfare of the entire State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Creative Arts Therapy for being an integral part of the Department of
Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital for nearly 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Creative Arts Therapy is a therapeutic method that uses
active engagement in the arts to address mental, emotional, develop-
mental, and behavioral disorders; this therapeutic option uses the
relationship between the patient and therapist in the context of the
artistic process as a dynamic force for change; and
WHEREAS, This vital program has proven to be a successful treatment in
alleviating and stabilizing symptoms relating to mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Creative Arts Therapy consists of three full-time
therapists, four post-graduate externs working toward their New York
State licensure, and interns who rotate through the department as part
of their Master's program at either the School of Visual Arts, New York
City, New York University, New York City, Hofstra University, Hempstead,
New York, or Long Island University Post, Brookville, New York; and
WHEREAS, Creative Arts therapists provide both individual and group
psychotherapy to patients at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center's Psychiat-
ric Department, including the emergency room, EOB, Psych 2, and Psych 3;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to their clinical duties, Creative Arts thera-
pists are faculty members who are responsible for educating psychiatry
residents, medical students, and psychology summer interns; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pride in commending Chair-
man of Psychiatry, Dr. Seeth Vivek; Vice President of Psychiatry, Tony
Maffia; and Michelle Hololob, Heather Grey, and Michael Hinck, as well
as all of the individuals, past and present, who have diligently worked
on behalf of this vital organization; and
WHEREAS, Organizations such as Creative Arts Therapy, which bring
greater awareness to mental health issues, and assist people with mental
illnesses in their quest for dignity and independence, profoundly
enhance the quality of life for all citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Creative Arts Therapy for being an integral part of the Depart-
ment of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital for nearly 20 years; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Chairman of Psychiatry, Dr. Seeth Vivek, Creative Arts
Therapy, part of the Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital.