Engagement in the Arts as a Health Behavior | Zonta Birmingham

Zonta Club of Birmingham – February Meeting

Topic: Engagement in the Arts as a Health Behavior

Speaker: Kimberly Kirklin, UAB

Join the Zonta Club of Birmingham for an inspiring and thought-provoking program that explores how creative engagement supports healing, wellness, and overall health throughout the lifespan. As Zontians committed to advancing the status of women and girls, this conversation invites us to consider the arts not just as enrichment, but as a powerful and evidence-based health behavior that can strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

This program aligns with National Wear Red Day® and American Heart Month (February), which spotlight women’s heart health and holistic well-being. Research increasingly shows that participation in the arts can reduce stress, improve mental health, support recovery, and enhance quality of life—making this topic especially relevant for women balancing caregiving, leadership, advocacy, and self-care.

We encourage members and guests to attend with an open mind and a readiness to reflect on how the arts intersect with women’s health, mental wellness, and equity in access to care. Consider how creative engagement can be integrated into advocacy efforts, community partnerships, and personal wellness practices. This discussion offers valuable insights for anyone passionate about innovative approaches to health, prevention, and empowerment.

Speaker Bio

Kimberly Kirklin is an assistant professor with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Occupational Therapy and Senior Director of UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM), a partnership between UAB Center for the Arts and UAB Medicine that enhances healing and wellness through creative engagement for patients, families, healthcare staff, and the community.

She began her career in arts administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center in 2002, where she learned firsthand the transformative power of the arts. She played a key role in developing ArtPlay, the center's education program, and expanding access to the arts for schools, communities, and older adults. In 2013, Kimberly led the effort to bring the arts into healthcare settings, co-creating an arts in medicine pilot program at UAB Hospital that later expanded into the comprehensive AIM program she now directs.

Kimberly's interdisciplinary background includes degrees in performing arts, arts in medicine, and mental health counseling. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Behavior at UAB School of Public Health, and holds her associate license as a professional counselor.

This meeting offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and engage in meaningful conversation around advocacy and action.

Agenda

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Networking, Lunch & Business Meeting

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

Guest Speaker Presentation

Lunch & RSVP Information

• Lunch Cost: $15 per person
• RSVP is required for lunch reservation

We look forward to starting the year together with purpose, education, and advocacy.