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Music is Art behind new music therapy program

A new music therapy program is being used to help adolescents and young adults at Horizon Health Services deal with issues of chemical dependency.

BUFFALO, NY - A new partnership between Music is Art and the Blues Society of WNY is hoping to strike just the right note with adolescents and young adults dealing with issues of chemical dependency.

The two organizations Friday announced an innovative music therapy program created right here in WNY and recognized by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN. Clients at Horizon Health Services are among the first to have access to this new initiative.

The Nurs 'n Blues Program aims to provide healing, growth and coping skills for those battling addiction. Created by local blues musician and nurse, Patti Parks, Nurs 'n Blues educates clients on blues history while combining with music therapy interventions. A board certified music therapist addresses self-esteem issues, appropriate emotional expression, improved social interactions, interpersonal relationships and trigger coping skills.

"I think as a community we would be hard pressed to find someone who's life hasn't been touched by addiction in some way," said Music is Art Executive Director Tracy Shattuck. "When we read through the stories from people who have benefitted from this protram we knew we had to be involved. Music is Art's mission includes the words cultural, educational, and social. The Nurs 'n Blues program speaks to all of that."

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