Why must you raise your own financial support?
Although state law mandates that chaplaincy services be provided in every hospital, the OHSU hospital charter decrees a separation of church and state. OHSU does not provide me a salary and/or a benefit package. However, I do receive a small stipend that is justified on the grounds of community goodwill (i.e., AIDS Memorial Service, teaching in community colleges, etc.).

What is your role as chaplain?
Patients and their families frequently ask me to share my journey of faith but my primary role is that of comforter and encourager. I come alongside patients and their families as they process faith sensitive issues that inevitably surface in a time of crisis.

Do you support patients of all faiths?
Yes. Patients/families in crisis respond to genuine love and compassion and I offer these gifts to each and every person. However, I do not masquerade as a chameleon nor do I find that people respect persons that do. I offer prayer and counsel from a Judeo/Christian perspective. As such, I may not the best person to assist a Muslim man. I am unable to grant last rites. The chaplain’s office keeps a list of clergy who of various faith groups that are contacted on behalf of the patients and their families.

What is your financial goal?
My goal is to raise a gross of $52,000, netting $42,000 after the HCMA fee and fund raising expenses. This salary is on par with the salaries of chaplains in other healthcare systems that possess equivalent education and experience.

What percentage of my contribution actually goes to you?
I receive 93% of your gift. HCMA takes 7% of the total contribution which provides the tax deductibility of contributions, covers overhead, cost of processing, continuing education, etc.

Do you prefer one time or monthly gifts?
I find it is helpful to count on a certain financial base every month but I also appreciate lump sum gifts as I have become very adept at managing fluctuating resources.

Is automatic deduction available?
Yes! Please enclose a check made payable to HCMA [377 E. Chapman Ave. Placentia, CA 92870] for your initial gift and a voided check for future gifts.

What kind of hours do you work?
I work an average of 35-40 hours a week at the hospital. In addition, every third week of the month I am on-call 24 hours a day for emergencies. The on-call load varies but it typically adds an additional 5-10 hours to the workweek. I occasionally speak to seminary students, college students, and various groups on the subject of death and dying, humanity’s “Call to Compassion,” with a goal of equipping each person to more effectively support family and friends in time of need.

How do I contact you?
Please use the contact form on my website.