26 | HealthLinksSC.com “Music allows for better blood flow, and it can help lower stress by decreasing our bodies’ cortisol response, the hormone that is released when we are under stress,” said Dr. Clark. “Music is one part of a holistic approach to medicine. We know that physical, creative, spiritual and emotional fitness work together to improve our quality of life.” Dr. Clark spearheaded the Healing Harmonies program about 10 years ago at the South Carolina Philharmonic while serving on its board. The program brings South Carolina Philharmonic musicians to area health care facilities for interactive music performances enjoyed by patients, staff and visitors. Robin Hallyburton, deputy & development director of the South Carolina Philharmonic, has seen moments of joy from the musicians who give of their time and talent and from audience members.. “Some of the performances are interactive, where the musicians invite audience members to conduct, or they may invite participation by handing out instruments,” Hallyburton explained. “We’re there for staff members, too, giving them a chance to relax and enjoy.” For Roper St. Francis Healthcare, the connection between music and mental health flowed naturally from its ongoing commitment to recognizing mental health as a community health pillar. Its Music for the Mind initiative celebrates the power of music and its positive impact on mental health. According to Kathy Smith, vice president and chief marketing and digital officer at Roper St. Francis, partnering with community organizations extends the reach of its programs. “The Roper St. Francis Concert Series at Credit One Stadium allows us to use our trusted voice to give people information about mental health and empower them to give or seek help if needed,” said Smith. “The concerts are an opportunity to build an awareness of what they are feeling, or a neighbor may be feeling, and connect the community to available resources. When people come together at the concerts, there is a joy to the music and the human connection. It can be powerful to reach people when they may not expect to be reached.” There also is a curated Music for the Mind playlist that people can play on their favorite music app. “The idea was to draw attention to the program and amplify the music playing even if they can’t attend the concert,” Smith added. As a music therapist, Alison Hughey founded Carolina Music Therapy in Spartanburg to help people connect and heal through music. “While music can sometimes be therapeutic on its own, music therapy dives deeper into the use of evidence- and music-based approaches to address individualized clinical goals,” Hughey said. Hughey likes to add a degree of playfulness to her at-home therapy ideas. She may suggest that clients keep a kazoo in their car – a “carzoo,” as Hughey calls it. That way, whenever the moment strikes, they have a way to explore their feelings through a musical outlet. “Playing a kazoo encourages players to extend their exhale while also stimulating the vagus nerve; both these actions can boost a sense of safety and calm,” she said. Dr. Clark knows that music is healthy for our physical and emotional health. “We are rhythmic human beings, and music can be one valuable tool to use when treating patients,” he said. “Why not be creative in fostering health through music?" SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the Department of Mental Health’s Mobile Crisis Team, toll-free, 24/7, at 833-364-2274 CRISIS TEXT LINE If you would rather text than talk on the phone, you can text 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. More information is available at crisistextline.org. SOUTH CAROLINA 211 2-1-1 is a free referral and information help line that connects people to a wide range of health and human services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To contact 2-1-1 in any state, including South Carolina, simply dial the numbers 2-11 from any phone. “An art lesson is about the final product; art therapy is about the process. When words are not accessible, people can find space for healing in the arts.” - Michelle Robinson, Arts in Healing program coordinator MUSC’s Arts in Healing program includes both music and art therapy as outlets for expression to enhance the healing process. Music is one part of a holistic approach to medicine. We know that physical, creative, spiritual and emotional fitness work together to improve our quality of life. “ “ MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
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