Groundbreaking Ceremony Celebrates Mental Health Initiatives
Phelps Hospital, operated by Northwell Health, marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its Serenity Garden, a new therapeutic space created to enhance mental health and wellness for patients, visitors, and staff. This donor-funded project, valued at $360,000, is set to be completed over the summer and is part of the hospital’s ongoing FARMacy program.
Located adjacent to the main entrance of Phelps Hospital, the Serenity Garden includes features such as a pavilion, calming water elements, comfortable benches, and ambient lighting. It aims to serve as a tranquil retreat for those undergoing treatment, particularly for patients participating in the hospital’s 28-day rehabilitation program.
Dr. Beata Mastalerz, president of Phelps Hospital, emphasized the importance of mental health by stating, ‘We firmly believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our primary goal with this garden is to create a sanctuary — a place for reflection and healing that complements the medical care we offer inside our hospital.’
The event was attended by notable figures, including Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi and Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler.
County Executive Kenneth Jenkins remarked, ‘In challenging times like these, it’s more important than ever to create spaces for reflection and healing. The Serenity Garden offers a place of peace, reminding us that mental health is just as vital as physical health and finding that balance is essential for the wellbeing of our entire community.’
Dr. Yelena S. Zack, director of psychiatry at Phelps Hospital, collaborated with the behavioral health teams to ensure that the garden meets the therapeutic needs of patients, noting, ‘The healing power of nature is well-documented in research, showing improved mental health, reduced anxiety, and faster recovery.’
The concept of the Serenity Garden was supported by generous donations from the community, notably a $75,000 commitment from Debra Frieden Perlo, whose inspiration stems from her brother Gary Frieden, who tragically passed away in 1971. Debra expressed her hopes that, ‘Gary would have enjoyed this beautiful garden during his lengthy hospital stays.’
This new garden marks the third installment of Phelps Hospital’s garden series, which also includes the Peas and Quiet Garden focusing on hospital staff and the Intergenerational Garden connecting young children from Robin’s Nest Child Care Center with nature to learn about growing food. The initiatives reflect Phelps Hospital’s commitment to enhancing health and wellness throughout the community.
Comments are closed