The Crystal Run Health Care Wellness Committee and Nicholas Batson, MD, in conjunction with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Sullivan County, NY, hosted a free theatrical performance of “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe, presented by special arraignment with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., to raise awareness of depression and mental health. The play was performed for employees and some local community members at Crystal Run Healthcare’s Rock Hill location on Tuesday, September 12th, during National Suicide Prevention Month.
“It is not easy to talk about suicide. Sometimes, the emotional pain, stigma, or historical trauma make it impossible to find the right words to express what a person is experiencing,” said Dr. Nicholas Batson, in regard to the importance of the play. “Various interventions, including the performing arts, are needed to improve awareness, self-efficacy, and soft skills relevant to suicide prevention.”
The performance brought to light some of the darker corners of mental health through compassionate and humorous storytelling. The one-person cast was aided by strategic light props and collaborative audience members to tell the full story, creating an immersive and intimate feeling that goes past the stage to create a feeling of connectedness through the audience.
“As the performance unfolded, Lori became inextricably one with the character,” said Joan Patterson, Director of Nursing at Crystal Run’s Rock Hill location. “Her passion for the subject, and its impact on the child involved, left a lasting impact on all in attendance!”
The Crystal Run Healthcare Rock Hill Wellness Committee’s mission is to inspire, create and maintain a workplace and environment that encourages and supports each person's healthy lifestyle choices. Consisting of twelve members across five departments, they have proposed, constructed, and accomplished several events and spaces for the benefit of their coworkers and even patients. Their most recent accomplishments include the creation of a walking path and a medication room, in addition to their many hosted events.