REDLANDS, CA-- Reverend Paul Reed, Ph. D, Redlands Community Hospital’s newly appointed chaplain, welcomed clergy from the Redlands area communities to the hospital’s First Annual Clergy Appreciation Luncheon on October 13. October is designated as National Clergy Appreciation Month.

In his presentation, Reverend Reed shared with the spiritual leaders the specific programs and services that the hospital offers, designed to provide solace and comfort to those facing end of live and other difficult medical care decisions. Community clergy were invited to join Reverend Reed by volunteering their services to assist patients and visitors in need.

“Our luncheon will be an annual event and we hope to expand our programs for the area’s spiritual community to better serve all walks of faith,” said Reverend Reed. “Our goal is to put the needs of our patients and visitors first. It is especially important to engage and enlighten our spiritual community leaders of the resources available.”

Reverend Reed began his role as Redlands Community Hospital chaplain this summer and offers daily spiritual care for the diverse population of hospital patients. He works closely with physicians, nurses, and employees throughout the hospital to ensure that the spiritual needs of the patients are addressed just as compassionately as their clinical care needs. “We could not be more pleased to welcome Reverend Reed to the hospital,” said Jim Holmes, CEO and president of Redlands Community Hospital, who attended the luncheon.

“We look forward to him enriching our spiritual programs with his expertise, and envision developing a long and inspirational relationship with our employees, patients and their families.” Reverend Reed oversees a variety of programs at the hospital, and is currently creating the ‘No One Dies Alone’ program—a service that provides ‘compassionate companions’ to people who are near death and have no friends and family locally. He also hopes to revitalize the volunteer program within the pastoral care services department, and provide seminars on end of life and medical ethics. He is currently working on special grief recovery events which will be offered twice a year.

“I am excited to work the patients, visitors and staff,” said Reed. “I look forward to work at an institution with a long tradition of meeting both the spiritual and medical needs of our community.”