MOC Expands Bedside Program to Tampa with Michael Ray at HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital

Musicians On Call (MOC) has officially launched its bedside music program in Tampa, FL. Each week, Volunteer Guides and Musicians will visit HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, to perform live, personal music room to room for patients at their bedsides. This expansion brings a meaningful new opportunity to provide comfort, connection, and joy to patients, families, and caregivers throughout the Tampa community.

To celebrate the launch of the MOC Bedside program in Tampa, MOC welcomed country music artist Michael Ray to HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital. The event brought together hospital and MOC leadership and featured the presentation of a commemorative Gibson Guitar in honor of the new partnership. As part of the celebration, Ray performed for guests before visiting patients at their bedsides, offering personal moments of music and connection. A Florida native, 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 global streams, 150 million YouTube views, and over 65 performances at the Grand Ole Opry.

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 Musicians On Call 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.”

“We’re honored to celebrate our community’s love of music through this special partnership with our bedside musicians,” said Ned Hill, CEO of 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.”

Musicians On Call is looking for musicians and music lovers to help share the joys of live music in Tampa as certified MOC Volunteers. Volunteer Musicians are local, professional-caliber musicians who perform hopeful songs during the bedside programs. Volunteer Guides act as the “eyes and ears” of MOC, leading the musician through the experience of playing for patients and liaising between families and staff, both at the bedside and virtually. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can learn more at https://www.musiciansoncall.org/get-involved/.