Arthur Joe found more than just physical rehabilitation at Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona (RHNA). He found community. Arthur recently admitted to RHNA after undergoing extensive spinal surgery due to malfunctioning hardware.

During his stay at RHNA, a new program called the ‘Patient Led Supportive Discussion Group’ began. The group is a patient-driven group that allows patients to facilitate and participate in the meeting voluntarily. Patients are offered a safe environment to express and share their thoughts and feelings about their experiences related to their medical journey and rehab process. Participants may also listen and not share. All are encouraged to listen with their ears and eyes and not judge or interrupt. What is said in the group remains in the group and is not shared with people outside the group. Nothing is written down, and no patient information is included.

Arthur participated in this discussion group, and his experience prompted him to create a piece of artwork of his takeaways from participating in the group. Arthur explained the components of his artwork and what each part of his drawing means from his perspective.

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