CARES launches Binghamton Black History Month Poetry Slam | Watch
CARES formally invites the community out to the American Legion on Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. for an evening of poetry, performances and soul food.
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra has partnered with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to launch a new program connecting community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live music as an opportunity to be engaged, socialize and improve mental health.
The “groundbreaking” program, “Social Prescribing with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra,” is funded through the Health Equity Innovation Award provided by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
The award is given to community partners within the company’s service region who have exhibited a commitment to improving health and addressing health disparities. Members in the I/DD community face obstacles around isolation, depression and anxiety, which can often lead to heightened health issues like inflammation, blood pressure and cortisol levels.
According to the latest data from the CDC Disability and Health Data System, in New York state 38% of the disabled population reported signs or symptoms of being depressed compared to the 12% reported within the non-disabled population.
Instead of prescribing medication, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is handing out doses of human connection and musical experiences.
Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dr. Julia Grella O’Connell, said in an interview on Feb. 11 that despite the program being new, the orchestra has received “many, many ticket requests.”
The last show this month will be “Canons and Cannons: Pops at the Forum” on Feb. 28, which will also be the concert that launches the program.
By offering “greater connection, appropriate social experiences, and community engagement,” the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is hoping to make members of the I/DD community feel less lonely by providing the “wonderful experience of attending a live musical concert,” O’Connell said.
For individuals who may be hesitant to attend a show due to fears of being overstimulated by things like lights, crowds and sound volumes, a sensory room is on-site that can be accessed anytime throughout the concert, if needed.
O’Connell has done some research on social prescribing and noticed that some orchestras host sensory concerts for members of the I/DD community. O’Connell made it clear this is not what the Binghamton organization is striving for.
“This idea of accessibility often translates to like a separate concert for you. That’s not our approach. Our approach is that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are our neighbors,” O’Connell said, adding that music should be enjoyed as a “fully integrated” experience that goes beyond accessibility.
Direct support professionals and local service providers will be able to sign clients up for complimentary tickets to any of the forum shows.
There are three shows left in the season before September rolls around a new list of concerts.
Visit binghamtonphilharmonic.org/social-prescribing to view the concert list and request “unlimited” tickets.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
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