This article describes a small group of preadolescent, psychiatric inpatients and their collaborative painting of a memorial mural about the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. Through an immersion in the group experience, the group members became increasingly introspective about their feelings of loss and their histories of multiple trauma. They developed a strong group identification and participated appropriately in a national process of mourning. The creation of the mural enhanced their sense of self-efficacy and earned them considerable positive recognition. Reflection on the mural making process itself, as well as its interpersonal impact, increased the group members' mutual attachment and their tolerance for their own traumatic memories. The inclusion of the mural in a museum exhibition of children's art solidified a powerful lesson about the symbolic value of art for therapeutic healing.

/pdf/the-use-of-murals-in-preadolescent-inpatient-groups-an-art-2bl6wcafhy.pdf

The Use of Murals in Preadolescent Inpatient Groups: An Art Therapy Approach to Cumulative Trauma. Brief Report.

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an important cause of morbidity in children in the United States (U.S.). Moreover, the U.S. has witnessed significant disparities affecting American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, and Hispanic/Latino children, stemming from systemic racism and social-structural inequalities and not differences in innate biological susceptibility. We review what is known on COVID-19 and health disparities in disease burden, access to care, pharmaceutical interventions, and clinical research in children, with a focus on the U.S. context. In addition, we propose strategies to communicate scientific data in ways that do not promote racism and biological susceptibility themes, and to address pediatric disparities in clinical infectious diseases research.

/pdf/race-ethnicity-and-health-disparities-in-us-children-with-trhpjh3v.pdf

“Race, ethnicity, and health disparities in US children with COVID-19: a review of the evidence and recommendations for the future”

This literature review examines and discusses the various aspects of mural making in the context of both traditional art therapy and social action art therapy. The goal of this literature review is to explore and examine the therapeutic benefits of the artistic medium of mural making within the context of art therapy. In the context of traditional group art therapy, research indicates that mural making can assist in developing social and communication skills, conflict resolution skills and result in a sense of accomplishment and enhanced self-esteem. Including a brief introduction and history of mural making in America, key themes were discovered throughout the research that lend insight to how murals may aid in individual and collective healing, identity development, as well as aid in social change by serving as a dialogical performance piece, offering opportunities for open discussion and reflection. The murals, themselves, possess the power of imagery and metaphor that may also aid in individual and collective healing and serve as a tangible representation of expression. Mural making, as a community art project, was found to create opportunities to foster community, enhance a sense of belonging and social awareness, and create connection to others, self, and place.

/pdf/an-exploration-of-community-mural-making-in-the-context-of-57ne3mehkz.pdf

An Exploration of Community Mural Making in the Context of Art Therapy and Social Action: A Literature Review

CDC guidelines for COVID-19 testing in March 2020 did not prioritize underserved communities. We present the effect that expanding COVID-19 testing had for residents of the predominantly Hispanic city of Chelsea, MA, which had the highest case rate in the state. Results were compared to another city with similar demographics, Lynn, MA, where testing eligibility remained unchanged. Institutional data were used to identify outpatient visits for influenza-like illness or COVID-19 exposure, COVID-19 tests, and hospitalizations for confirmed COVID-19 between 3/30/2020-4/28/2020. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare outcomes before and after the change in testing eligibility occurred on 4/13/2020. A total of 3,060 patients were included, 1,374 Chelsea residents and 1,686 Lynn residents. After guidelines changed, Chelsea residents were more likely to present as outpatients (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.2, p < 0.001) and less likely to be hospitalized (AOR 0.2, p < 0.001). They were more likely to be tested (AOR 8.8, p < 0.001), but less likely to test positive (AOR 0.6, p = 0.05). Lynn residents were also more likely to be tested after 4/13/2020 (AOR 1.9, p < 0.001), but no significant differences in visit acuity or test positivity were observed. This study demonstrates how broadening testing eligibility for one highly affected, predominantly Hispanic community was associated with an increase in outpatient presentations and a concomitant decrease in test positivity and hospitalizations. These results highlight the impact of improved access to care on utilization of services among underserved communities, a lesson that is especially crucial as we continue to grapple with the COVID pandemic. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101744

Sarah Wilkie

Papers

An Exploration of Community Mural Making in the Context of Art Therapy and Social Action: A Literature Review

The impact of broadening COVID-19 testing eligibility on communities of color – A lesson for overcoming structural barriers to health care