Our Mission
The Gesundheit! Institute is a project in holistic medical care based on the belief that one cannot separate the health of the individual from the health of the family, the community, the world, and the health care system itself. About Gesundheit! »
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Help build the Patch Adams Teaching Center & Clinic
In October of 2007, Patch Adams and the Gesundheit Board unveiled its campaign to build a Teaching Center & Clinic in West Virginia. The Center & Clinic will enable Gesundheit to see patients again and teach health care system design: the necessary work to change our health care system. Please continue to support us. When you give to Gesundheit, expect change back!
About Patch Adams
Patch Adams is best known for his work as a medical doctor and a clown, and he is also a social activist who has devoted 40 years to changing America's health care system. He believes that laughter, joy and creativity are an integral part of the healing process. Read more >
Patch's Blog
Opportunities
SUMMER SCHOOL FOR DESIGNING A SOCIETY • July 4-25, 2012 An encouraging environment for taking up creativity-challenging problems—drawing on inspiration from composition, music, poetry, theater, clowning, art, design, body movement, social movement
XENHARMONIC PRAXIS SUMMER CAMP • August 3-17, 2012 Xenharmonic Praxis Summer Camp is a time and a place for musicians to compose, practice, and perform new and oddly-tuned musics together.
7th ANNUAL BELEN PROJECT • August 6-20th, 2012 Join Gesundheit and Bolaroja in an international volunteer art and health outreach in the Peruvian Amazon. Register NOW for an incredible life-changing experience in joyful service!!
28th ANNUAL RUSSIA CLOWN TOUR • November 3-17th, 2012 Join our two-week clown tour to Russia, a trip filled with participants from all walks of life from across the world. Together we will transform into a troupe deeply bonded by shared experience and love!
Gesundheit! News
THE EDUCATION OF COMPASSION Read the initial proposal to develop a full curriculum in compassionate care. Read the March 2011 update on the proposal from Patch Adams MD here...
PATCH ADAMS CLINIC IN PHILADELPHIA Located in a low-income Philadelphia neighborhood, this clinic will provide community-based health care that is genuinely non-profit, preventive, humane and fun. It is a refuge for doctors and nurses who want time to heal patients. It is a refuge for patients who want to be treated with dignity. Read more >
Sister Projects
STATEMENT FROM HELEN CALDICOTT Long-time friend of Patch and Gesundheit, advocate of planetary health, campaigner against nuclear weapons and power. Read her reflections on the crisis in Japan >
CAMP WINNARAINBOW • Mendocino County, California Wavy Gravy's circus and performing arts camp in California, where Patch Adams teaches "clown philosophy" every summer. Watch Taylor Reed Branson's promo video >