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.
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Patch's Blog
Opportunities
THE SCHOOL FOR DESIGNING A SOCIETY • February 6 - April 27, 2012 Come to a place to design the work that you want to do to make a difference; to acquire skills, experiences, and new frameworks as ways of remaining actively curious and connecting. Read more...
ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK IN GUATEMALA • March 3-11, 2012 Please register by contacting Terra at hotdamnhoney@gmail.com or call her at 540.421.6422 before completing online registration. Read more...
CLOWNING & CARING IN ECUADOR • March 19-25, 2012 Have you ever clowned at the equator? Join us at the point where the joy of clowning meets the design of care! Read more...
Gesundheit! News
THE EDUCATION OF COMPASSION Read the initial proposal to develop a full curriculum in compassionate care here ... . 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 here
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