Spiritual Care
Here at The George Washington University Hospital, we understand that hospitalization is a stressful time for patients, families and friends. The Department of Spiritual Care has trained professionals who can offer support, also available to staff members, during these stressful times.
The George Washington University Hospital Women's Board Interfaith Chapel is on the first floor, directly opposite Admissions and next to the Volunteer Office.
Here are just a few reasons why you might want to call a chaplain. If you:
- are struggling with the meaning of your illness
- have concerns with spiritual issues
- are wrestling with difficult treatment choices
- would like to request a religious ritual specific to your tradition
- desire to express anxiety or fear or to confide in a "safe" person
- have received bad news
- are far from home and would like support
- are anticipating surgery
- would like someone to pray with you or bless you
- are grieving a loss
Services We Provide
- Responding to referrals
- Preoperative visits
- Response to code blues
- Baptisms
- Blessings
- End of life rituals
- Memorial services
- Consultations
- Palliative care rounds
- In-service presentations
Faith-Specific Services
- Bibles
- Communion for Catholics and Protestants
- Sacrament of the Sick for Catholics
- Shabbat candles for Jewish patients
- Rituals for religious holy days
- Response to faith-specific requests
A chaplain is available on-site from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For requests that are not urgent, please call the Chaplain Request Line at 202-715-5329 to request a visit. If you leave a message, please provide the patient's first and last names, religious denomination. and the patient's room number. You also may leave any information that you think would be helpful to the chaplains. (See the right column for more information.)
In case of an emergency situation on evenings or weekends, please call 202-715-5349. You may also page the the House Operations Supervisor (6103) or the paging operator (4141)
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Donna Farrar
Director of Spiritual Care
Donna previously served as the Director of Pastoral Care at both the University of Kentucky Hospital and Indiana University Medical Center.
She brings more than 30 years of experience working in healthcare and is a CPE Certified Supervisor with the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) and Board Certified from the Association of Professional Chaplains, and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Donna earned a Master of Divinity at Bangor Theological Seminary, a Master of Science in Family Studies from the University of Kentucky and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Christian Theological Seminary.
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Contact
Information
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Donna Farrar
Director of Spiritual Care
Donna previously served as the Director of Pastoral Care at both the University of Kentucky Hospital and Indiana University Medical Center.
She brings more than 30 years of experience working in healthcare and is a CPE Certified Supervisor with the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) and Board Certified from the Association of Professional Chaplains, and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Donna earned a Master of Divinity at Bangor Theological Seminary, a Master of Science in Family Studies from the University of Kentucky and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Christian Theological Seminary.
