Honor Hospital Chaplain Program

Senate Resolution No. 4688 BY: Senator PHILLIPS COMMENDING the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital upon the occasion of celebrating its 20th Anniversary on June 12, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital upon the occasion of its 20th Anniversary to be celebrated at an event on Tuesday, June 12, 2018; and WHEREAS, In 1996, the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital was established to provide spiritual and emotional support to its patients, their families and hospital staff; later, the Hospital's Board of Trustees created a formal program and developed an endowment to fund this important work; and WHEREAS, In 2008, NYU Winthrop Hospital expanded its pastoral ministry by adding a Serenity Chapel, a newly constructed, non-sectarian space for personal prayer, counseling, worship, and observing silence; and WHEREAS, Today, the spiritual care team includes staff chaplains, volunteers, a resident rabbi, priests, and community clergy from many faith traditions who tend to the spiritual needs of patients, families, and staff when they are most vulnerable; they also provide support to persons of all faiths, and those not identifying with any particular belief system, helping them find solace in times of need through encouragement, guidance and companionship; and WHEREAS, The NYU Winthrop Hospital board certified or eligible for certification chaplains are always available to speak with patients after diagnosis, provide counseling on faith-related issues, offer prayer, perform rituals and blessings, advocate for families as they make difficult decisions, work with the interdisciplinary care teams on the medical units, and facilitate bereavement groups and memorial services, as well as collaborate with local spiritual leaders; and WHEREAS, For 20 years, the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital has provided an invaluable source of support to the community it serves while advancing inter-religious and intercultural understanding; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital upon the occasion of celebrating its 20th Anniversary on June 12, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Pastoral Care Program at NYU Winthrop Hospital.