Baptist Beaches Comfort Care Team Welcomes Renowned Concert Pianist, Art Therapist
Comfort Care Team Is Part of Hospital's Healing Environment

Jacksonville, Florida, November 21, 2006 -- The Baptist Medical Center Beaches Comfort Care Team was established in 2003 to provide alternative methods of healing to combine a "natural balance" of health care and work environment to the hospital's patients, visitors and staff. The future is exciting with the Comfort Care Team providing therapies such as music, certified pet therapy, massage and aromatherapy, as well as laughter/clown therapy and story-telling. Last year, Comfort Care Quilts (provided by Coastal Quilters of the Beaches) were added and, to date, Baptist Beaches has presented 70 handmade quilts to select patients.

This month Baptist Beaches is proud to launch Comfort Pillow Cases. The pillow cases will supplement the Comfort Care Quilt program, allowing more patients to receive a special gift during their hospital stay. Staff from several departments has donated materials and volunteered their time for two "Sit-N-Sew" events. These employees have already produced nearly 100 beautifully crafted cases.

Baptist Beaches is very pleased to announce the newest member of its Music Therapy team, Dr. Gerson Yessin, renowned concert pianist. His credentials include: chairman of the College Music Department at Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida, as well as member of the Boston Philharmonic. Patients and staff are benefiting from Yessin's musical talents in performing and bedside teaching. Yessin has volunteered to share his gifted work with classical piano weekly through the Baptist Beaches Comfort Care program.

Next month, Gus Gonalez, a master's-prepared certified art therapist who resides in Ponte Vedra Beach, will introduce art therapy as the newest Comfort Care modality. Initially Gonalez will work on a nursing unit with his art pad and oils, and will freelance paintings while he interacts with staff, visitors and patients. Future plans for the art therapy component include some hands-on patient interaction.

For additional information on the Baptist Beaches Comfort Care Team, please contact Coordinator Kam Durham at 514.0323.