The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is excited to announce “Radiant Minds: Nurturing Mental Health for All” as the theme for the 2024 Virtual Summit. "Radiant Minds: Nurturing Mental Health for All" will allow you to discover the latest insights and strategies for promoting mental and behavioral health and well-being, fostering resilience, and enhancing mental health for individuals of all backgrounds.
This summit brings together practitioners, experts, caregivers, clients, advocates, and researchers to explore the diverse facets of mental health, share innovative approaches, and ignite discussions aimed at building a brighter, more inclusive future for mental wellness. Don't miss this opportunity to engage and join with thought leaders and practitioners toward radiant minds and thriving communities.
This virtual event will run February 1 - 29, 2024 on ATRA's virtual learning platform. Additional sessions may be added so please check back regularly to view the program.
Using Beekeeping and Mindfulness to Improve Mental Health and Well-Being in Veterans
Session Length
60 minutes
Description
Embedding mindfulness, yoga and well-being practices into beekeeing education, has demonstrated positive changes in Veterans in the HIVES (Honeybee Initiative for Veterans' Empowerment and Support) Program. This presentation will discuss impact participation the HIVES program has on the participants' depressoin, anxiety, and overall well-being scores evaulated during a Quailty Improvment Project at the VA in New Hampshire. Participants will also bulid an undestanding of how to implement a therapeutic beekeeping program and how to include yoga and mindfulness as part of the leisure activity.
Focus of Presentation
Intervention/treatment modality
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the impact the HIVES program has on Veterans anxiety, depression and overall health scores on the EQ--5D-5L
2. List the steps to implent a therapeutic beekeeping program, including mindfulness, and well-being practices
3. Explain 3 ways to reduced risks to participants and bees when including beekeeping as a tool in Recreation Therapy practice
Presenter
![[photo]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fec2e3e73ca86f3c842ae2cc421619a0.png?d=https://proposalspace.com/images/no_photo.png&r=PG&s=50 "Valerie Carter, VA Medical Center- New Hampshire")
Valerie Carter, VA Medical Center- New Hampshire
Biographical Statement
Valerie Carter has been a Recreation Therapist at the Manchester VA for the past 5 years. She has over 10 years of experience working with individual with severe and persistent mental illness. She has been teaching yoga for the past 7 years and has been a beekeeper for the past 8 years. Valerie implemented the HIVES program at the Manchester VA in 2019, and has helped to spread to program to VA Medical Centers across the country. She believes in the therapuetic value of working with animals (especially honeybees), as well as connecting with nature and engaging in mind/body practices to address mental health and well-being.