| Caring for body, mind and spirit— |
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 The Expanded Spiritual Care Program |
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 Scientific research has shown a connection between the mind and body, and the health-related benefits of religious and spiritual beliefs and practices. According to the studies, and supported by the experience of physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals, religious faith and practices impact both emotional and physical well-being. Inspired to care for the “whole” patient, as well as his or her family, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital opened a meditation room over ten years ago and established a Spiritual Care Volunteer Program in September 1996.
The Volunteer Services Department oversees the spiritual care program at the Hospital. “It is staffed by more than 100 volunteers, representing the many cultures and religions of our diverse local population,” says Lynn Brooks, Director of Volunteer Services and Health Career Services. “Because of the tremendous response and the growing need for these services, we are creating a spiritual care/chaplaincy position for patients and their families, the medical staff, employees and the community. The program will be coordinated and managed by the Spiritual Care Coordinator/Chaplain.”
The Board of Directors named the meditation room: the William J. Kennedy, MD Meditation Room in June 2005. This was in honor of Dr. William Kennedy for his vision of comprehensive spiritual care services and for his many years of service as a member of the medical staff and Board of Directors. He was Chair of the hospital’s Bioethics Committee. “The Spiritual Care Coordinator/Chaplain will be an integral part of the healthcare team, focusing on spiritual issues of healing while medical professionals focus on the physical aspects,” says Dr. Kennedy.
“These programs are helpful to patients and families as well as physicians and nurses,” says Jeffrey Berman, MD, a pediatrician and member of the medical staff. “The staff is so caring and empathetic that they often experience stress. The Spiritual Care Program will be a great comfort to them.”
“Members of the hospital’s medical staff and nurses approached the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Governors and asked us to initiate a fundraising campaign to support a formal spiritual care program,” says Shirley Lavorato, Board Member and Chair of the Capital Campaign. “The Hospital administration wanted to make certain that funding would be available to get the program off to a strong start and not transfer the costs to patients’ bills. I believe strongly in the value of spiritual support and I was proud to serve with John Meyer, Nick Ventimiglia, Nick Pasculli and Carol Lannon in this worthwhile effort.”
And donors demonstrated that Shirley’s belief was shared with many others in the community. The two-year campaign launched in early 2005, had a goal of raising $300,000. Within six months, the team had raised over $400,000— 18 months ahead of time and $100,000 over the goal!  “This is a perfect example of our close ties to the community and shows how we are all ‘Neighbors Who Care,’” says Harry Wardwell, President of the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Board of Directors.
Salinas Valley Memorial’s Spiritual Care Program will be modeled after successful examples including the longstanding program at Stanford Medical Center. “We are in the process of hiring a Spiritual Care Coordinator/Chaplain who will oversee the spiritual care program at the hospital and throughout the community,” says Sam Downing, President/CEO. “Our Spiritual Care Coordinator will respond to each patient’s values and beliefs, encouraging a more holistic approach for patients and their family members. The Coordinator will also be invaluable to our health care staff who often experience sadness and stress.” |
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