California is preparing to launch another groundbreaking arts prescribing pilot program—set to begin in September 2025—that will bring the healing power of the arts directly into the healthcare system. On July 9, I had the opportunity to attend the program’s kick-off event, where cross-sector partners shared their vision for this innovative initiative.

In Photo: Attendees included Kat Pineda, Owner, Coach, & Consultant of Playtronus, LLC; Nicole Taylor, Founding Director of The Arts & Wellness Program, in partnership with Ventura County Behavioral Health; Jennifer Kuo, Arts & Health Initiative Consultant, California for the Arts.

This pilot will address youth mental health in the San Diego area through a dynamic partnership between San Ysidro Health, Art Pharmacy, and Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties. The event featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Kamaal Martin, who leads the Arts & Intersections Collaborative at Catalyst; Veronica Dela Rosa, Executive Vice President of Operations at San Ysidro Health; Chris Appleton, Founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy; Matt D’Arrigo of the Clare Rose Foundation; and Dr. Priti Ojha, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at San Ysidro Health. The audience consisted of healthcare professionals, funders, municipal leaders, artists, and arts administrators and more—a true reflection of the strong interest and enthusiasm from diverse professional sectors.

In Photo (Left to Right): Kamaal Martin, Veronica Dela Rosa, Chris Appleton, Matt D’Arrigo, Dr. Priti Ojha. Photo credit: San Ysidro Health

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), San Ysidro Health serves more than 145,000 patients across San Diego County, offering accessible and affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Veronica spoke passionately about the need to think boldly and holistically to advance healthcare, focusing not only on physical needs but also on overall wellbeing. Dr. Ojha underscored that healthcare should be about more than diagnosis and treatment—it should foster relationships, purpose, and joy, all of which this pilot seeks to nurture.

Chris Appleton shared Art Pharmacy’s mission and emphasized the urgency of connecting patients to community resources through clinical pathways. He also announced that the program is seeking arts and culture organizations in the region to participate—ensuring artists are compensated for their work and that investment flows back into the community.

In Photo: Cross-sector partners for the arts prescribing pilot program. Photo credit: San Ysidro Health

This initiative is made possible through the generous support of Catalyst member foundations, including the Clare Rose Foundation, Prebys Foundation, Parker Foundation, Latatorre Foundation, Tippet Foundation, Avila Fund, and University of San Diego. Kamaal Martin and Matt D’Arrigo highlighted the program’s two years of development and the unprecedented power of multiple funders coming together to champion a shared vision.

The event closed with a lively audience Q&A and time for networking, leaving attendees energized for what’s ahead. By connecting young people with community-based arts experiences, this program aims to promote emotional wellness, reduce isolation, and build resilience—showing how art can be a powerful prescription for health.

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