Call it a concert with a purpose. Of all the places to hear live music, a hospital is not usually the venue you think of. But of all the people who deserve to be treated to an unexpected concert, veterans certainly top the list. 79-year-old Isiah Hicks served in Korea.
“Working front line mostly,” said Hicks.
He listens to musician Jon Sharp play the classical guitar while he waits for a doctor at Fresno's V.A. Hospital.
“I think it's real nice, real nice,” said Hicks.
Several times a month musicians perform in waiting areas around the hospital. They play for some of the 31,000 veterans throughout the Valley who use the facility. Fresno has the highest percentage of Iraq and Afghanistan vets in the country. Many of them suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Hani Khouzam treats many of the vets and has noticed the difference live music has on his patients.
“Certain people who hear the music, especially if it's live music, before they come to the appointment, they are more relaxed and able to focus,” said Dr. Khouzam.
Sharp says the positive benefits aren't only felt by the patients.
“Nobody wants to be in a hospital, so it's very nice to come here and play for people who offer that kind of service to their country,” said Sharp.
Sharp, and one other musician, is funded by donations to the hospital.
“We hope if we are able to we can expand and maybe bring additional musicians in the hospital so we can serve more veterans,” said Dawn Golic, Chief of Public Affairs.
Veterans like Hicks say they forget their worries in the hospital waiting room.
“Listening to music takes a lot of stuff off your mind, like that I'm sick,” said Hicks.
The V.A. Hospital was built in 1949. Today the fastest growing population of veterans are women.
