UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM)
Through a collaboration with the Alys Stephens Center and UAB Medicine, UAB Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Alabama to have a formal Arts in Medicine program. AIM focuses on the needs of the whole person – mind, body and spirit. AIM includes both interactive and passive arts experiences, which can include bedside and workshop activities, or performances and visual art installations in public spaces.
Research on the arts and health has indicated that arts programs may boost the moods of patients and their families by reducing perceived pain, anxiety and stress. In turn, that could contribute to a reduction in medication use, a quicker recovery and a shorter hospital stay.
AIM offers programs in painting, drawing, sewing, storytelling, theatre, writing, music, guided-meditation and dance/movement in UAB Women & Infants Center, Kirklin Clinic, and North Pavilion. Our artists-in-residence are able to tailor programs to an individual specific needs and offer them bedside in addition to hospital waiting areas.
Meet the Team
Kimberly Kirklin
AIM Director
Lauren Edwards
AIM Program Coordinator
Hospital & Community
Haleigh Black
Musician in Residence
Salaam Green
Artist in Residence
Sarah Heath
Artist in Residence
Valerie Hanks
Provisional Art Therapist
Helene Taylor
Artist in Residence
Melissa Turnage
Artist in Residence
Elizabeth Vander Kamp
Artist in Residence
Cristal Brister
Artist in Residence
Melanie Rogers
Musician in Residence
Ellise Mayor
Teaching Artist
Stephanie Tatum
Teaching Artist
Mary Horn
Teaching Artist
John Scalici
Therapeutic Drummer
Children’s of Alabama based Music Therapists
Kim Hamrick
Libby Stephens
Sunny Davenport
Upcoming AIM Events
-
Mental Health MondaySupporting Our LGBTQ+ Youth
More than half of LGBTQ+ youth in the US report experiencing symptom of anxiety and depression and 45% have seriously considered suicide according to the Trevor Project. This...
-
Mental Health MondayMental Health Awareness Month: Suicide Prevalence and Prevention
In the United States, suicide has been among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10 – 64 according to the CDC. While there are...
-
Mental Health MondayCaring for the Family Caregiver
As of 2020 almost 1 in 5 people in the United States were providing unpaid care to an adult with functional needs, according to the National Alliance for...
-
Mental Health MondayHomelessness in Birmingham
Homelessness continues to be a problem nationally and locally. In July, guests will discuss the current state of homelessness in Birmingham, local efforts to reduce the rate of...