Blog art collage
Blog art collage
  • Art Celebration
  • People-first Pharmacy Care

Medicine for the soul: How pharmacists encourage consumers through the healing power of art

Aug 26th, 2024

“People don’t automatically equate ‘pharmacy’ with ‘art,’ but getting to know my consumers through the art they create has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. And ultimately, it has made me a better pharmacist,” said Brandon Koolick, Genoa Healthcare pharmacist in Phoenix.  

Each year, Genoa’s Art Celebration honors consumers and their talents through the healing power of art. The celebration provides a way for pharmacy teams to get to know their consumers better, and for consumers to reflect on and share their stories about what art means to them.

“Art is what gets me through my days,” said Genoa consumer Chelsea K. “It is a way for me to go into my own world and get away from the thoughts in my head and engrossed in the process of making the art.” She submitted her piece titled “Orange Fox” to Genoa’s 2024 Art Celebration, a painting that was inspired by her love of animals and nature.

Going beyond the counter in caring for consumers is the foundation of the Genoa pharmacy model. Most Genoa pharmacies are located directly within behavioral health and other specialty clinics. By serving individuals in the same facility in which they receive their care, Genoa makes it easier for consumers to get the medications they need. This convenience — coupled with other offerings, like pre-filled pill organizers, medication adherence calls and free medication mailing — drives improved health outcomes for consumers.

People using Genoa experience 90% medication adherence rates compared to 50% at traditional retail pharmacies and have 18% fewer emergency room visits and 40% fewer hospitalizations.1

Genoa consumer Victoria K.  submitted the below piece to the 2024 Art Celebration, which she created to, “send some positive energy to everyone who is courageous enough to be searching for a healthier life.” In her submission, she said creating art has “helped me cope with some extremely difficult times. Even if I just had a pencil and paper to write down a thought. A crayon to scribble out my feelings. Art has been helping me throughout my life.”

Genoa pharmacy teams work with more than 500 behavioral health and other specialty clinics across the U.S. to serve over one million consumers each year. For Alaska Behavioral Health, Genoa’s unique, high-touch approach to pharmacy care has been a “game changer” for their staff and consumers.

For Genoa pharmacists, being there for their consumers goes beyond just dispensing medications. At the end of the day, improved outcomes means improved opportunities for people to remember the beauty they bring to the world.

“Art helps me to step away from the stresses and depression of everyday life,” said Angel Y., who said her 2024 Art Celebration submission reminded her that creativity can come from many places. “It gives me a glimpse of beauty and hope.”

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