By Ann Charlescraft

On Tuesday morning, November 19th, a group of dedicated caregivers and a group of awesome faith community clergy and lay leaders gathered to encourage the healing work of health care providers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.  As the national health care crisis continues, health care providers are struggling to keep self and colleagues in good health in order to care for those who arrive at our doors in need of medical treatment and loving kindness for their healing in mind, body, and spirit.  The room was filled to overflowing with caregivers who want to offer such care to patients and families, and caregivers who also need support to be able to offer their best in these difficult and uncertain times in health care.

The goal of this collaborative is to provide care inside and outside the walls of Baptist Hospital; to build relationships.   Faith communities are beginning to “adopt” nursing units to provide prayer, support, care, and comfort to our nurses who in turn will be able to offer similar care along with nursing skill to patients and families.  To care and be cared for requires the whole beloved community to participate.  The time has come for the “village” to gather together for wellness, wholeness, and connection within the full community.  Employees at Baptist need the care of faith communities, and faith communities need the wisdom and healing practices of Baptist employees.

Congregations interested in providing “care for the caregivers” at Baptist Hospital can contact Ann Charlescraft,  Chaplain for Staff Ministries, [email protected] or 336.716.9647