Snoopy Brings Art, Joy and Kindness to Children Across Novant Health

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Snoopy brought a little extra joy to Novant Health as children and families across the health system experienced Snoopy-themed activities, collaborative art experiences and moments of comfort through a partnership between Novant Health Foundation, Peanuts Worldwide and the Foundation for Hospital Art (FFHA).

The activations are part of The Art of Remarkable Kindness, a Novant Health Foundation campaign celebrating the power of everyday acts of compassion.

The initiative kicked off October 1 at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital, where patients, families, team members and volunteers came together to create the first of four Snoopy-themed murals designed to bring color and joy to pediatric care spaces. Additional mural events took place at the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center NICU Reunion, Novant Health Betty H. Cameron Women's & Children's Hospital in Wilmington, and the Novant Health St. Jude Affiliate Clinic.

"We are grateful to Peanuts Worldwide and Foundation for Hospital Art for helping create moments that bring comfort, creativity and connection to the children and families we serve," said Kim Henderson, EVP and chief administrative officer. "These experiences remind us that healing happens in many ways, and that art, kindness and community all play an important role in the patient experience."

Led by FFHA, PaintFest facilitates the creation of colorful murals for health care environments. The completed murals that began this week will become lasting works of art throughout Novant Health, helping create more welcoming spaces for patients and families and will be unveiled this winter. Novant Health was one of just 25 hospitals nationwide to participate in the milestone event.

For children facing medical treatment, art is more than simply a creative outlet. It can be used therapeutically to provide comfort, process feelings, and regain a sense of normalcy during a confusing time. Recent studies have noted a significant reduction in anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress symptoms, and pain in children undergoing medical procedures or facing mental health challenges who have engaged in art therapy programs.

The PaintFest experience extended beyond the murals. Children born or receiving inpatient care systemwide during activation days received a special Snoopy plush featuring the message "Kindness you can hug." The keepsake offers children and families a tangible reminder that they were surrounded by people who care.