The program has expanded its positive social impact beyond healthcare facilities into diverse community settings. This past summer, USC Medical Clowns worked with developmentally disabled young adults to promote connection through play based interactions at Golden Heart Ranch and accompanied campers during their three-hour dialysis sessions at The Painted Turtle.
Currently, the program is partnered with The Children’s Bureau, the largest investor in child abuse prevention in the country, to bring medical clowning into their mental health programming which provides a space for affected children to receive emotional and transitional support. USC Medical Clowns will work alongside Case Managers during monthly support groups to improve outcomes in therapeutic interventions for children and their guardians who are affected by significant familial disruptions. This is the first program in the United States to use medical clowning as a therapeutic complement in this setting. Learn more about the project at https://artsinaction.usc.edu/project/medical-clowns.
Arts in Action – Our First Year from USC Arts in Action on Vimeo.