Pastoral Care Program Implemented at Palmyra Medical Center

ALBANY, GA SEPTEMBER 25, 2009 -  Palmyra Medical Center announced today it has implemented a Pastoral Care Program for patients and their families.  Palmyra also announced that Donald Chapman will be the lead contact for this program at the facility.

“Pastoral Care is such an important part of the healing process associated with Healthcare,” said Mark Rader, Palmyra Chief Executive Officer.  “For Palmyra to provide a total continuum of care to our patients we believe this program has to be available in order to meet their spiritual needs.”

Rader said Palmyra has taken a very positive step toward building this program by bringing Don Chapman, who is a commissioned clinical chaplain, in as program director.  “Don has the experience and local knowledge that will go a long way toward building a pastoral care program that will not only bring comfort to patients but will serve the needs of family members and friends,” said Rader.

Don Chapman echoed Rader’s sentiments about the need for Palmyra to have such a service on site. “I am extremely pleased to be part of this important ministry here at Palmyra Medical Center,” said Chapman. “During my career, I’ve been witness to how much joy and peace such counseling brings to patients and their families.  I’m truly blessed to be able to help guide and counsel people through their healing process.”

On this day Palmyra also re-dedicated its Chapel as part of the Pastoral Care program.  Rader indicated it is a peaceful area where people may come to pray or seek comfort during their time of need. In the past, pastoral services at Palmyra was mainly provided by a patient’s personal clergy.  Chapman said that patients are certainly free to call on their personal clergy to minister to them. He believes his role will be to support those patients and their clergy as needed. 

“I will be available to offer any guidance, spiritual or otherwise, that I may give,” Chapman added.