UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine (AIM) was founded in 1990 at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. AIM is a multidisciplinary organization, with programs in the visual, literary, contemplative and performance arts. AIM serves inpatients and outpatients of all ages, their families, visitors, health care providers, and the Gainesville and statewide communities. The program is focused on transforming healthcare environments through the arts and providing leadership for hospital arts programs throughout the nation.
Contact: Sam Moss (Volunteer Coordinator), MOSSSA@shands.ufl.edu, Volunteer Inquiry Form
Who they are: Their mission is to “transform the hospital experience through the arts.”
What YOU can do to help: You don’t have to be an accomplished artist to make a difference in the lives of patients. Each academic semester, Arts in Medicine registers approximately 90 student and community volunteers at all skill levels.
Arts in Medicine volunteers have direct contact with pediatric and adult patients using all types of art disciplines. Most volunteers assist Artists in Residence with regularly scheduled group activities called “Workshops”. Experienced volunteers work in conjunction with AIM Artists in Residence to answer bedside patient requests and staff referrals.
AIM Artists in Residence are versed in a variety of mediums including visual arts, music, dance, creative writing, contemplative arts and more! If you choose to become a volunteer, our volunteer coordinator will assist you in finding your niche.