WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, January 21, 2025 - Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a nonprofit rehabilitation-focused healthcare system based in Wallingford, is proud to announce that it has received $15,000 in grants to provide high-quality bedside and group music therapy sessions for hundreds of Gaylord Hospital patients recovering from life-altering neurological injuries and illnesses.
The grants include $10,000 from SpringRiver Private Foundation Trust and $5,000 from The William and Alice Mortensen Foundation, Inc.
Started in 2018, Gaylord’s music therapy program is designed to enhance the healing process through the calming and motivating power of music.
The program focuses on engaging patients affected by stroke, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and other complex conditions by using music to stimulate physical and cognitive activity, aid in the recovery of function, and promote social-emotional well-being. Thanks to the grants, Gaylord expects to provide at least 700 group and bedside music therapy sessions in 2025, led by two music therapists.
“Music therapy can have a profound impact on patients’ quality of life by supporting their physical, social, and emotional well-being,” said Alexxandra Niss, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist.
“At Gaylord, it’s especially valuable in helping patients regain memory and function, particularly those recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries. We’re grateful for this support that enables us to bring the benefits of music therapy to even more patients.”
Founded in 2014, the SpringRiver Private Foundation Trust supports organizations across New England that foster transformative experiences.
The William and Alice Mortensen Foundation was established in 1982 by William H., and Alice C. Mortensen. The objectives of the Foundation are to support religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational 501(c)(3) organizations, preferably in the Hartford area.
About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare:
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a rehabilitation-focused, nonprofit health system headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut, that provides inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey from illness or injury to maximum recovery.
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is anchored by Gaylord Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital, and includes Gaylord Outpatient Services and Gaylord Physical Therapy for patients who require diagnosis and treatment. Gaylord’s Milne Institute for Healthcare Innovation is a hub for accelerating world-class rehabilitative research, technology development and innovation to improve the quality of life and function of people around the world. Together, these entities deliver a complete continuum of rehabilitative care driven by clinical experience, innovation and human compassion.