Smith Center for Healing and the Arts Information

Smith Center is Washington DC’s only stand alone cancer support organization serving the entire community. Our programs aim to provide the deepest levels of healing and growth in the face of life’s challenges. We believe that healing should encompass the whole person — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual — and that patients can be active participants in their own care. Topics and facilitators for our programs are chosen specifically to meet the needs of those affected by cancer, but many are open to and useful for the whole community. In addition to programs at our U Street Center and our Weeklong Cancer Retreats, we serve the community through Integrative Patient Navigation services that educate and guide patients through the cancer experience. We offer an annual Patient Navigation Training in Integrative Cancer Care for healthcare professionals, social workers, and lay navigators. Dedicated to promoting the role of creativity in healing, we run the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery, operate a hospital-based Artist-in-Residence program, and provide an Art Advisory service to aid healthcare facilities and individuals building art collections inspiring hope and healing.