Molina Healthcare of Texas and Dallas Museum of Art Launch Virtual Art Class Series for Seniors
05/17/2021
DALLAS, May 17, 2021 — Molina Healthcare of Texas (“Molina”) and the Dallas Museum of Art launched a virtual art class series, “The Artist Within,” to support seniors who may be experiencing feelings of isolation in their nursing facilities during the pandemic.
More than 40 seniors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area participated in the first virtual class on April 26. Participating facilities included Landmark of Plano, Midlothian Healthcare Center, Founders Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Willow Bend Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The Dallas Museum of art provided supply kits for each resident.
“Studies show that engaging in creative pursuits helps reduce depression and anxiety in seniors and encourages enhanced cognitive function,” said Sheila Shelton, director of community engagement of Molina Healthcare of Texas. “‘The Artist Within’ program supports Molina’s mission to improve the health and well-being of seniors in Texas.”
“The Dallas Museum of Art works to make art accessible to all, especially during a time when high-risk populations are struggling with isolation,” said Emily Wiskera, manager of access programs at the Dallas Museum of Art. “Our partnership with Molina will help us expand our engagement with vulnerable communities and spread the joy of art.”
The virtual art series is part of Molina’s Quality Living program, which supports nursing facilities with a goal of increasing the quality of care and the lives of residents. In celebration of National Skilled Nursing Care Week, which took place May 9 through May 15, Molina recognized the hard work of nursing facility staff by sending out personalized appreciation posters and buttons to 500 nursing homes across Texas.
Molina and the Dallas Museum of Art will continue to bring the “The Artist Within” series to nursing facilities across Texas in the coming months.
About Molina Healthcare of Texas
Molina Healthcare of Texas has been providing government-funded health care since 2006. The Company serves members through Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals) and Health Insurance Exchange programs, with service areas across Texas. Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 4.6 million members as of March 31, 2021.
About the Dallas Museum of Art
Established in 1903, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is among the 10 largest art museums in the country and is distinguished by its commitment to research, innovation, and public engagement. At the heart of the Museum and its programs is its global collection, which encompasses more than 24,000 works and spans 5,000 years of history, representing a full range of world cultures. Located in the nation’s largest arts district, the Museum acts as a catalyst for community creativity, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds with a diverse spectrum of programming, from exhibitions and lectures to concerts, literary events, and dramatic and dance presentations. Since the Museum’s return to free general admission in 2013, the DMA has welcomed more 3.2 million visitors.