UPDATE: a previous version of this article stated that the Northern Lights Health Foundation can offer more therapeutic services. It should have read the Fort McMurray Recovery Centre.
The Fort McMurray Recovery Centre can now offer more therapeutic supports to clients.
Suncor Energy Foundation made a donation of $20,000 that allowed the Northern Lights Health Foundation (NLHF) to buy two digital pianos as a part of the facility’s new Music Therapy Program.
Cindy Amerongen with NLHF said that music therapy has many elements combined into one program.
“The purpose of music in therapy is that it activates a different part of the brain, so it can help people to bring back memory function, it’s great hand and eye coordination, especially if you’re following along with a music sheet and often it brings back great memories.”
Amerongen said the NLHF is also working to fund a drumming program through the recovery centre.
Three pianos will be going into Willow Square, one of which is currently being used in the continuing care area of the health centre. The other two are being used within the YMCA.
Manager of Addictions and Mental Health Fort McMurray, Thomas Kannumkulabil hopes the pianos can bring positive therapeutic experiences to the centre’s clients.
“We know that our clients are experiencing different feelings and emotions. We also know that music has the ability to decrease agitation and restlessness, calm chaotic brain activity, and increase and improve our concentration and mood. These pianos have the ability to improve our clients’ overall health and wellness.”
Kannumkulabil said that even those who don’t know how to play the piano will be able to learn through instructional books that cover the basics of the instrument.
While the pianos can be used individually or in group sessions, Kannumkulabil said there are other plans for them including structures lesson time and opportunities for local musicians to perform at the facility.
