Vision, Mission, Goals and Strategies

The nonprofit, multifaith HealthCare Chaplaincy is a national leader in research, education and practice that integrates spirituality with medical care. It has the responsibility to help hospital patients and families in difficult situations find meaning and comfort regardless of religion or beliefs. For nearly 50 years it has collaborated with major medical centers and other professional organizations. It is a thought leader for quality, accessible and affordable palliative care. The New York Times says, “Palliative care (is) one of the fastest-growing fields in medicine.” Palliative care helps patients with a serious, life-changing illness and their families make informed decisions about their treatment options that are consistent with their values.

Vision:

HealthCare Chaplaincy's expertise in professional multifaith spiritual care is transforming how health care is understood and delivered − through research, education, clinical practice,  advocacy, and innovation. 

Mission:

HealthCare Chaplaincy’s mission is to advance the profession of pastoral care through visionary leadership and continuing excellence in innovative research, education, and clinical practice.

Goals:

Over the next five years, HealthCare Chaplaincy will grow in importance as a global leader for spiritual and pastoral care in health care settings. It will:

• Expand its educational offerings to health care professionals and consumers
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on the impact of spiritual care for those receiving chaplaincy support in health care settings
• Develop and test new cost-effective models of care delivery
• Build and operate an innovative 100-unit enhanced assisted living residence for persons with serious, progressive illness who are facing the end of life

Strategies include:

• Further develop the Spears Research Institute into a world-class academic research center in the field of multi-faith spiritual and pastoral care
• Establish a postgraduate College of Pastoral Care to include doctoral-level educational programs, continuing and professional studies for health care professionals and other targeted consumer groups
• Expand the clinical services and consultation products offered by the Pastoral Care Leadership & Practice Group to a wider national audience