At the Arts Impact Ohio Conference in Toledo this May, Tasha Golden, PhD, delivered a powerful and provocative session that left a lasting impact on attendees. As a singer/songwriter turned PhD health scientist and a leading expert in Creativity and Wellbeing, Tasha confronted the artistic community in Ohio about its jaded attitude toward providing health-conscious workshops for physicians to prescribe. Rather than reveling in the fact that such initiatives are finally happening—and in some cases, even billable—she urged us to take action. “Get busy,” she told us. “Create the programs and get them to the physicians.”

Tasha’s direct approach was a wake-up call. She emphasized that “your creative work has health impacts, whether you know it or not. But once you know it, you can use it to grow.” This sentiment resonated deeply, underscoring the vital role that creativity plays in promoting health and wellbeing.

As a speaker and consultant, Tasha helps leaders and organizations think more creatively to expand their reach, bolster wellbeing, and ignite change. “Bridging research and practice,” she shared, “I’ve helped thousands of clients and audience members reimagine their work, discover untapped potential, and GROW. I’d love to help you, too.”

One of the most compelling aspects of Tasha’s work is her leadership in developing “Arts on Prescription: A Field Guide for US Communities,” a comprehensive roadmap for integrating arts, culture, and nature resources into local health and social care systems. These programs allow providers to “prescribe” arts activities, cultural experiences, and time in nature to support their patients’ or clients’ health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

“I’m proud to have led the creation of this groundbreaking resource,” Tasha said, highlighting her collaboration with partners such as the Mass Cultural Council and the University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine. Her field guide provides invaluable insights and practical steps for communities looking to implement arts on prescription programs, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare.

Tasha’s session at the conference was more than just an informative talk; it was a call to action. She challenged us to move beyond being mesmerized by the potential of arts in healthcare and to start actively creating and implementing these programs. Her message was clear: the time to act is now.

As we left the session, inspired and motivated, it became evident that Tasha Golden’s expertise and passion for creativity and wellbeing are precisely what the artistic community in Ohio—and beyond—needs to make a meaningful impact. Her leadership and vision are paving the way for a future where arts and healthcare are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities alike.