Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean Donates His Inspirational Art to HHC Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital in East Harlem
Apr 17, 2014
The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation’s Global Ambassador Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean unveiled a piece of art he created called Victory to the residents and staff of HHC Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility. Mr. Dean met with fellow philanthropist Henry J. Carter, the namesake of this long-term care hospital, and spent time visiting with residents to learn more about them and hear their inspirational stories.
“Victory is a powerful statement representing the personal struggle to triumph over the challenges of profound physical disability,” said Mr. Dean at a dedication ceremony for the piece. “This piece symbolizes the monumental daily effort in working toward rehabilitation goals and physical progress. I am honored to donate this piece and hope it serves as inspiration for all who come to the Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital.”
The Fund for HHC, the philanthropic arm of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, named Mr. Dean HHC’s Global Ambassador in 2012. Mr. Dean supports HHC’s mission to provide quality healthcare for all New Yorkers, and advocates for the importance of art as a key part of the therapeutic and healing process. Since being named HHC’s Global Ambassador, Mr. Dean has celebrated the opening of Harlem Hospital Center’s Mural Pavilion and visited with patients and staff at Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn to learn more about healthcare services provided to the community.
“HHC promotes the use of art throughout its facilities to help enhance our patient’s wellbeing, healthcare, and rehabilitation,” said HHC President Dr. Ram Raju. “Mr. Dean understands the healing power that art can provide in the healthcare setting.”
“We are grateful to Swizz Beatz for the support and creativity he brings to HHC through his philanthropy, his advocacy, and his artistic contributions,” said Joe Schick, Executive Director of The Fund for HHC. “Victory will have a positive impact on the residents and staff of Henry J. Carter, and will be a source of inspiration for all who see it.”
As a world-renowned music producer, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and innovator, Mr. Dean, a South Bronx native, continues to find new platforms for self-expression that inspire others to reach up and transcend. Mr. Dean regards the arts as a pathway to healing and personal growth, and in his own work as a visual artist and philanthropic supporter of arts programs, he continues to create fresh, energetic, and life-affirming statements.
“The dedication of Mr. Dean’s art is a very special moment for everyone at Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital,” said Henry J. Carter. “Victory is something everyone can relate to because it reminds us of our struggles, but more importantly, our triumphs.”
About The Fund for HHC
The Fund for HHC is the philanthropic arm of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) that secures external support for a variety of HHC programs and awareness-building efforts. The Fund for HHC is a catalyst for innovative approaches to help HHC patients gain improved access to safe, high-quality healthcare. The Fund works closely with HHC clinical management staff to identify projects that align with HHC’s mission and strategic priorities, and to secure financial support for them. The Fund’s funding priorities include: reducing violence, providing youth development opportunities, and raising self-esteem among young men; increasing accessibility to healthcare for adolescents; fostering the powerful healing alliance between healthcare and the arts; and expanding access to comprehensive healthcare for all New Yorkers. For more information, visit www.thefundforhhc.org or call (646) 458-2810.
About HHC
The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is a $6.7 billion integrated healthcare delivery system with its own 420,000 member health plan, MetroPlusHealth, and is the largest municipal healthcare organization in the country. HHC serves 1.4 million New Yorkers every year and more than 475,000 are uninsured. HHC provides medical, mental health and substance abuse services through its 11 acute care hospitals, five skilled nursing facilities, six large diagnostic and treatment centers and more than 70 community based clinics. HHC Health and Home Care also provides in-home services for New Yorkers. HHC was the 2008 recipient of the National Quality Forum and The Joint Commission’s John M. Eisenberg Award for Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality. For more information, visit www.nychhc.org/hhc or find us on facebook.com/NYCHealthSystem or twitter.com/NYCHealthSystem.