Live From New York, it’s JoyRx Music!
The end of 2024 marked an exciting milestone for JoyRx Music: we expanded services in New York City with the launch of live, bedside music programs.
The program launch includes two healthcare sites: The Brooklyn Hospital Center on October 30, 2024, and the Children’s Hospital at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University on November 20, 2024.
JoyRx Music Specialist Gabby plays music for a child.
On the first day of the program launch, JoyRx Music Specialist Gabby visited rooms in the inpatient and PICU units at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, playing songs for children who requested musical moments.
She ended the day playing music for infants in the NICU, and in future weeks will continue visiting these units in addition to the Children’s Health Center.
At SUNY Downstate, JoyRx served children in the inpatient and PICU units, with plans to expand to the Dialysis Clinic in future sessions.
“TBHC is so excited and honored to be one of the two NYC pilot locations,” says Taylor Brower, Child Life Specialist, Pediatrics, at The Brooklyn Hospital Center. “After being a digital live partner for the past year, I knew our patients and families would love having JoyRx in person. JoyRx has been a fantastic resource for our small child life program, and Gabby truly brings the joyful and healing power of music with her when she visits patients in our pediatric unit, PICU, NICU, and Children’s Health Center.”
JoyRx Music Specialist Gabby enjoying her day playing music for the kids!
“Music influences clinical and medical settings, especially for children facing extended hospital stays or challenging treatments,” explains a December article regarding the launch from the Office of the President at SUNY Downstate. “It reduces stress, alleviates pain, boosts mood, and improves overall well-being. JoyRx Music harnesses this potential through its innovative, patient-focused approach. Together, we are creating moments of joy that leave a lasting impact on children and their families.”
“Both launches were great!” said JoyRx Music Specialist Gabby. “I got to see so many kids, and the hospital staff were very welcoming and excited for the program. As a music specialist, opportunities like this remind me of the power of connection, laughter, and music.”
This New York expansion of JoyRx Music was made possible, in part, by The Taft Foundation. JoyRx | Children’s Cancer Association intends to leverage findings from these initial two Brooklyn sites to better adjust, expand, and facilitate the continuation of live JoyRx Music services in New York City, and across the nation.