The greatest challenge facing art programs in health care is finding sustainable financial support.
In 1997, Dr. J. Richard Gaintner became C.E.O. of Shands. No one understood more clearly that dwindling patient reimbursement dollars would put support programs, like Arts in Medicine, at risk.
Dr. Gaintner was a pioneer in medicine and in hospital administration. He and his wife, Sue, shared a vision of compassionate patient care which compelled them to establish the Gaintner Family Endowment for Arts in Medicine.
The focus of the endowment is singular – to provide financial support for artists whose commitment is to bring their creative talents to the bedside, providing relief and comfort to those suffering through serious illness.