Cleveland Council Urges State to Recognize Arts in Healthcare
Cleveland City Council is moving to encourage the Ohio legislature to officially recognize how arts-based health initiatives can improve long-term well-being for residents. Introduced by Council Member Conwell, Emergency Resolution 1161-2026 calls on state lawmakers to adopt legislation that acknowledges the essential role these programs play in community health and wellness.
## What's in the file
The resolution seeks to prompt state-level legislative action regarding the integration of various art forms into healthcare and community settings for therapeutic, educational, and expressive purposes. According to 1161-2026-FOR ADOPTION-health and the arts RESO Conwell, the measure is based on several stated rationales:
* Benefits across life stages: The document notes that arts education can help youth cope with feelings and adversity, while arts participation in older adults is connected to improved mood and reduced rates of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative disorders.
* Clinical outcomes: The text asserts that creative arts therapies—such as music, art, and dance/movement therapy—can address specific physical and mental health conditions and may reduce a patient's need for hospital care and pain medication.
* Mental health and social connection: The resolution states that the arts serve as a resource for reducing social isolation, loneliness, stress, trauma, and symptoms of PTSD.
* Economic and systemic considerations: The resolution suggests that insurance companies and Medicaid providers should consider paying for arts programs prescribed by physicians.
If adopted, the Clerk of Council is directed to send copies of the resolution to all members of the Ohio legislature, the Ohio Arts Council, and the leadership of the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Metro Hospital, and the Cleveland VA Hospital.
## Who may be affected
The resolution specifically names the following organizations and entities:
* Ohio legislature
* Ohio Arts Council
* Cleveland Clinic
* University Hospitals
* Metro Hospital
* Cleveland VA Hospital
## Status and timeline
The resolution was introduced on September 23, 2026, and is currently listed as "Agenda Ready." As an emergency measure, if it receives an affirmative vote of two-thirds of all elected members of Council, it would take effect immediately upon adoption and approval by the Mayor.
Residents can verify these details and review the full text of the resolution by visiting the Cleveland City Council Legistar website.
Source record
- File
- 1161-2026
- Type
- Emergency Resolution
- Status
- Agenda Ready
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- September 22, 2026