Blessing of the Buildings: Creating Community Connection during Isolation
Nicole Giacomino, MA, MT-BC, Manager of Creative Art and Complementary Therapies
Debra Sheridan, MTS, BCC, Director of Pastoral Care
Courtney Ternyila, BA, Business Development Manager
Tara Vellucci Colon, Business Development Manager
During the height of the pandemic, staff at the Visiting Nursing Association Health Group developed an innovative experiential program called “Blessing of the Buildings.” This initiative entailed visiting various sub-acute and long-term care facilities throughout New Jersey to provide a spiritual (non-denominational) ceremony outside each building. Led by prayer and music, these collaborative events acknowledged the lost and lived experiences that patients, families and staff faced during the darkest of times. These gatherings fostered an expression of gratitude, providing a beacon of light and hope during a time when there was overwhelming loss and suffering inside their walls. The human connection inspired by the program filled the emotional void that safe distancing was creating. This program is ongoing and continues to provide community support.
Related content
-
Environment & Hospitality
We’re Not Going to Relieve All the Anxiety, but We Can Relieve Some: The Impact of Volunteers in Healthcare
Amy Kwiatkowski, Director of Community Experience, sits down to speak with Cheryl Call, Director of Volunteers and Language Services at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, whose career in volunteer services in healthcare has spanned over two decades. Listen in as Call emphasizes the importance of volunteer engagement in enhancing the patient experience, discusses effective strategies
Learn more -
Culture & Leadership | Environment & Hospitality | Infrastructure & Governance | Patient Family & Community Engagement | Policy & Measurement | Quality & Clinical Excellence | Staff & Provider Engagement
A Commitment to Human Experience in Essential Hospitals
A Commitment to Human Experience in Essential Hospitals highlights the innovative practices of essential hospitals in enhancing the human experience in healthcare. These safety-net hospitals are crucial for providing care to underserved and marginalized communities, addressing complex medical needs and significant socio-economic challenges. Despite facing financial constraints and staff shortages, essential hospitals excel in creating
Learn more -
Innovation & Technology
Technology and the Promise of a Precise, Personalized Patient Experience
Technology has evolved to truly enhance patient care. Today, AI-driven tools allow patients to track wait times, request comfort items, and give real-time feedback, all through their phones. This “precision engagement” improves satisfaction and outcomes, as hospitals can respond more quickly to patient needs. In this learning bite, Vital shares how these technologies also enhance
Learn more