Music can do some wonderful things. It can transform a moment into one of joy, comfort and healing. Children in need of hospital care often need joy, comfort and healing most of all, making music a great tool when it comes to helping them become healthy again.
In October, Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland launched the MyMusicRx program to help its youngest patients heal with the use of music. With the help of volunteers, the program uses teaching instruments, music games and iPads loaded with apps. The program is offered in the medical center, as well as at the off-site Healthplex for kids, families and staff.
The program originated at the Portland-based Children’s Cancer Center, and Kadlec is the first regional-sized hospital to institute it. While the hospital has incorporated music into its patient care for years, the new program has already proven comforting for Kadlec’s youngest patients.
Reducing the fears and anxiety surrounding hospital care puts patients more at ease and helps on the road to recovery. Read more about the program at Kadlec, or read more about the MyMusicRx program on its website. (Tim Pfarr)
