HEALING THROUGH HORSES
Patients at Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic are fortunate to benefit from the campus’ Equine Therapy program. Naturally sensitive and social, horses are highly skilled at reading and communicating nonverbal cues, which are valuable in psychotherapy. Equine Therapy helps patients discuss personal issues, learn techniques to make positive choices, improve communication skills, identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms. Donor generosity funded the purchase of a truck and horse trailer, providing a much safer method of transporting the horses across the campus. Funds also purchased a “run-in” shed in the dry lot area that will provide a space for our animals to seek shelter from rain, snow or sun. We are grateful for our supporters who are helping patients in this special way.
“Part of the horses’ effectiveness is their presence. Like life’s challenges, these animals loom large, and when patients reflect on how to deal with a horse, they often discover strategies that can help them in their lives.”
MARY BREWER EQUINE THERAPY SPECIALIST
BRIDGING THE GAP IN
ADOLESCENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS
Hospital emergency departments are often the first point of contact for kids experiencing behavioral health crises. Due to shortages in providers, it can take days for patients needing inpatient care to be admitted. Fortunately, generous philanthropic support is fueling the construction of a new Adolescent Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit and Cohen Community Resource & Education Center at Carrier Clinic. Here, children and adolescents will benefit from a dedicated team of clinicians using a holistic approach as well as complimentary therapies such as art, music and equine therapies. The new unit will also feature a new gymnasium, multi-sensory rooms, group therapy spaces and outdoor courtyards. As construction continues, we look forward to alleviating this critical shortage in the coming months with the unit’s completion and providing compassionate care to this vulnerable population.
HARMONIZING HEALTH WITH MUSIC
The Music for Recovery program at Carrier Clinic is an important part of many patients’ treatment journey, especially those recovering from substance use disorder. It helps patients reduce their stress and anxiety, develop useful coping mechanisms, learn how to safely express emotions and improve their self-esteem. In addition, music therapy also teaches critical skills such as repetition for success, working together as a group, following a process and working towards improvement. The program also provides experience in working on long-term projects, which is especially beneficial in managing sobriety. However, music therapy is not reimbursable through insurance. Fortunately, donor generosity removes that barrier and allows Carrier to be able to continue providing this free service to patients.
PAWS WITH A PURPOSE
“The Pet Therapy Program allows residents to explore and experience their emotions in a safe and comfortable way. Animals provide an opportunity for the teens to express love and affection in a low risk, real time environment with their peers.”
GRACE RICHARD, LPC, NCC
CLINICAL THERAPIST I, EAGLE LODGE
EAST MOUNTAIN YOUTH LODGE
Patients living with mental illness and substance use disorder often benefit from alternative therapies, especially when traditional forms may not always be as effective. Animals can help ground individuals and provide moments of joy, even in difficult times. Thanks to our donors, our patients benefit from the warmth and talents of Creature Comforts’ pet therapy dogs at Blake Recovery Center and East Mountain Youth Lodge. People who interact with animals often experience reduced anxiety and depression, decreased loneliness, improved moods and less agitation. This, in turn, helps our patients be more receptive to healing therapies. Team members also benefit from seeing our four-legged friends throughout campus and frequently stop to greet them.
Be The Difference is a transformational effort focusing on four key pillars: enhancing the delivery of patient care, accelerating groundbreaking research and discovery, expanding access to advanced care and revolutionizing medical education while supporting the nursing profession.
Through this ambitious initiative, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation aims to reshape health care for patients, clinicians and the diverse communities it serves, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future. Thank you for making a difference!
THE EMPOWERING NATURE OF PEER-LED THERAPY
“It’s not just a job for methis is my life in recovery. The only way I can keep what I have is by giving it away. What I went through helps me help people who are hurting. I love being here for people’s journeys. I can’t give them promises, but I can give them hope.”
CELESTINE SMALLEY PEER RECOVERY SPECIALIST
Thanks to donor generosity, a certified peer recovery specialist is available for patients at Blake Recovery Center. Peer recovery specialists have been successful in the recovery process themselves, and now help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become, and stay, engaged in the recovery process, reducing the likelihood of relapse. Peer recovery aids in reduced substance use, improved outcomes, greater housing stability, decreased hospital and emergency room use, less criminal activity, lesser anxiety and tension, improved relationships with providers and social supports leading to increased treatment retention. Peer support services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking a successful, sustainable recovery process.
