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MIAMI, FL – Jackson Pediatric Center, a division of Holtz Children’s Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, was recently awarded a $30,000 contribution by AT&T, which will be used to begin a weekly music therapy program.
“A music therapy program at Jackson Pediatric Center will enrich the lives of our children and provide many of them with an outlet to forget their own medical issues for a short time,” said Dolores Serrecchia, R.N., clinical director of Jackson Pediatric Center. “Music therapy is an established health tool in which music is used to help children regain important life skills, such as communication, physical movement, attention and memory.”
“Music therapy helps patients meet head on the many issues like depression and stress that hamper their ability to recover from the illnesses they face,” said Marshall Criser, president of AT&T Florida. “Making this music therapy program available to Jackson Pediatric Center will create a positive impact on the recovery of pediatric patients.”
The contribution provided by AT&T will allow the center to hire a music therapist who will work with the children at the pediatric center five days a week, four hours each day. Music therapy can provide a combination of physical, social and psychological benefits – such as the reduction of fear, anxiety, stress or grief – to enhance the health care of pediatric patients. It is also effective in promoting social objectives such as increased interaction, independence and cooperation.
“Music therapy provides a time for the children to express their feelings in a safe way,” Serrecchia said. “The music therapist is not there to poke them, draw blood, give them good or bad news – they are just there to have fun with them.”
Since 1989, Jackson Pediatric Center has provided non-residential medical care for children from birth to age 21 with chronic illnesses that require daily, long-term nursing care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, along with respiratory support. The center’s staff works closely with parents and community agencies to provide quality, family-centered healthcare in a sensitive, loving and homelike environment.
Officials from AT&T will join Jackson Health System President and CEO, Carlos A. Migoya, along with representatives of Jackson Pediatric Center, during a check presentation ceremony at 11 a.m., Thursday, October 17, at the pediatric center, 1477 N.W. 8th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136.
About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2012, more than $131 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.
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