Tied blankets from Western State Hospital warm hearts in local communities
When C.D., a patient at Western State Hospital, began looking for ways to do something nice for the community, he reflected on volunteering with his father as a child. C.D. and a couple of other patients came up with an idea that yields goodwill toward the community and other patients being treated at Western.
Since Thanksgiving 2019, patients and staff hospital-wide have made about 300 tied blankets. The blankets come in a variety of sizes and designs and are donated to churches, hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters and other patients.
“It makes us so happy to see people in need get our blankets and know we care,” said B.B., a patient. “We get cards in the mail with a big ‘thank you’ and hearts … it’s really nice.”
Tying blankets has become popular all over the hospital, Psych Associate Sven Sluyter said.
“We have had an incredible response to this venture,” said Sluyter, who coordinates the blanket project. “Tying blankets has provided a therapeutic activity for patients at several levels of acuity and mobility. Whether making blankets for themselves or others, completing one provides a sense of satisfaction.”
To keep the program going, Sluyter hosts blanket sales a few times a year. The proceeds are used to purchase supplies and make more blankets.
(By Lisa Copeland)