Chaplain Joe Hart on the Toll of Anxiety During COVID-19

*This interview was conducted on April 23, 2020. The call in number located on the screen is no longer in use. If you need to speak with someone about stress or anxiety, please reach out to your primary care provider.*

We’re all dealing with the stress and anxiety of living during the COVID-19 pandemic, but for people in the hospital and their loved ones, those feelings can be even more intense. Chaplain Joe Hart, Director of Spiritual Services at GBMC, talked with WMAR TV anchor Kelly Swoope about how the hospital’s spiritual support team is helping people shoulder that burden.

He explained that patients and their families are in a place of distress and that the goal of GBMC’s chaplains is to be a source of hope, helping patients and their loved ones realize they are not on this journey alone. The crucial element of coping and reclaiming health during these challenging times is to maintain our connections with each other. To keep patients and their families connected, the hospital is using video chat via iPad. So, even though they can’t be together in person, they can be there for each other in spirit.

Chaplain Hart also shared how he and his team are supporting the hospital’s hardworking staff by talking with them and providing printed cards with prayers and meditations. He hopes this provides comfort as they do the exceedingly difficult job of caring for others each day.

*Click here for more information about the coronavirus (COVID-19)*

If you would like to learn more about giving back during this time, please visit gbmc.org/donations or donate to the GBMC HealthCare Workers Fund to support our healthcare heroes.