Our Pastoral Care Services
At Summa Health, we recognize that the care of our patients, their families and friends, and our employees encompass more than their physical well-being. When it comes to leading a healthy, productive and satisfying life, we know that the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of good health are just as important as those that affect a person physically. This is why we offer a volunteer pastoral care program at Summa Health.
Pastoral Care Volunteers
Summa Health’s pastoral care volunteers have provided fellowship, prayed with and supported other religious traditions and customs for many years. Through this program, we offer three different volunteer opportunities:
- Pastoral Care Volunteer Visitor Volunteer – volunteer visits and prays with patients of any denomination.
- Catholic Eucharistic Minister Volunteer – volunteer provides the Eucharist and a visit to Catholic patients.
- On-Call Clergy Volunteer – There are times when patients are in great need of spiritual support. This volunteer is a clergy member from the community called in to visit with a specific patient and family during this difficult time
For both the Pastoral Care Visitor Volunteer and Catholic Eucharistic Minister Volunteer opportunities, interested individuals may apply online by visiting our webpage. For the on-call clergy opportunity, please contact us at 330.375.3247. For more information and to link to the online volunteer application, please click here.
Resources
Grief Counseling [Podcast]
Shannon Blower, Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care Services, shares his personal experience with grief and provides tips and resources for anyone coping with grief.
Is a Broken Heart a Physical Ailment [Podcast]
Love Akron Executive Director Kemp Boyd and Advocate Tracy Carter discuss what the Grief Recovery Method is, why its important to Akron and specifically to the black community.
Coping with Tragic News and Tips for Talking to Children
Six tips for talking to children about scary situations and current events
Additional Grief Resources
The following articles provide many practical suggestions to help you move toward healing in your unique grief journey.