South Tampa Hospital welcomes Musicians On Call
Tampa, FL — Musicians On Call (MOC), a nonprofit dedicated to sharing the healing power of music in healthcare settings, launched its first Tampa Bay program at HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital on Wednesday, October 15. The partnership expands MOC’s bedside program by delivering performances to patients undergoing treatment or unable to leave their beds at South Tampa Hospital, with the uplifting and therapeutic benefits of music, right at their bedside.
County Music Artist Michael Ray, a Florida native, kicked off the event that began with a concert on the hospital patio and the presentation of a commemorative Gibson Guitar to hospital CEO Ned Hill. Ray performed for patio guests before visiting patients at their bedsides, offering personal moments of music and connection. Ray has achieved four No. 1 songs, “Think A Little Less,” “Whiskey and Rain,” “Kiss You in the Morning,” and “One That Got Away,” along with more than 1 billion streams, 150 YouTube views and over 65 performances in the Grand Ole Opry.
“We’re honored to celebrate our community’s love of music through this special partnership with our bedside musicians,” said Ned Hill, CEO of HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital. “Welcoming a talented native Floridian to help us launch this program is especially meaningful as we highlight the powerful role music plays in healing, not only for our patients, but also for their loved ones and caregivers.”
This expansion is made possible through a collaboration with HCA Healthcare, whose $1 million gift helped create and launch MOC’s proprietary online platform. The platform strengthens program delivery and allows MOC to reach even more patients and healthcare workers in hospitals nationwide.
“Bringing the MOC Bedside program to Tampa is especially meaningful because it allows us to connect directly with patients, families, and caregivers in such a personal way,” said Pete Griffin, President and CEO of Musicians On Call. “Michael Ray has been a dedicated MOC supporter for years, visiting HCA Healthcare hospitals across the country and sharing his music with patients and caregivers. Seeing him now perform at the bedside in his home state of Florida is a powerful reminder of our mission in action, made possible through the incredible support of HCA Healthcare.”