Addressing your spiritual needs while providing your clinical care.
At ECU Health, we believe that total patient care requires attention to your spiritual, emotional and physical needs. A hospital stay is often unexpected and can leave you, your family and friends feeling scared, nervous and alone. At each ECU Health hospital, we have pastoral care experts who are prepared to attend to your spiritual and emotional needs. Emotional support and spiritual care are essential in the healing process, and we are here to address your needs.
ECU Health’s community clergy program is offered at all nine hospitals, ensuring that all patients and visitors needing support are able to do so. An application and orientation process with the hospital’s department of Pastoral Care is required for participation in the community clergy program.
To view the application and find information regarding pastoral care residencies, click here.
Why a chaplain might be the right support
Patients, family members, friends, or staff members who are:
- navigating a new diagnosis or uncertain future
- experiencing emotional or spiritual distress
- wrestling with grief, loss or difficult news
- seeking clarity in life-changing decisions
- searching for peace, comfort or a sense of meaning
- looking to express gratitude or mark a sacred moment
Chaplains are trained spiritual care professionals who offer:
- a calming, compassionate presence during difficult moments
- confidential listening without pressure or agenda
- emotional and spiritual guidance aligned with your beliefs
- prayer, reflection or rituals that are meaningful to you
- support in navigating end-of-life decisions or advance care planning
Contact us
- Ask a clinical or non-clinical professional to contact the Chaplain.
- Request staff or the hospital switchboard contact the on-call Chaplain.
- Call 252-847-4790
Community Clergy visitation
At ECU Health, we recognize the vital role that spiritual support plays in a patient’s healing journey. To help extend compassionate care beyond our Chaplain Services, we offer the Community Clergy program across all nine hospital locations. This initiative allows local clergy and faith leaders to provide meaningful spiritual and emotional support to patients and families from within their own communities and traditions.
Participation in the Community Clergy program is open to active clergy and designated faith leaders who wish to minister to their congregants during hospitalization. To ensure safe and effective collaboration with our clinical teams, all clergy must complete an application and orientation process through Pastoral Care.
Requirements for Community Clergy badge
To be considered for the program and receive a Community Clergy badge, applicants must submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Official letter from place of worship
- Must verify your current title/role and standing in your faith community
- Current influenza (flu) vaccination documentation
How to submit your application
Completed applications and documentation may be:
Emailed to:
[email protected]
Or delivered in person:
Pastoral Care office
Located at the main entrance of ECU Health Medical Center, beside the Service League Gift Shop.
Once all documentation is received, you will be contacted to attend a Community Clergy orientation, which covers hospital protocols, visitation guidelines, badge usage, and best practices for offering spiritual care in a clinical setting.
Please note that each church is allotted a maximum of three community clergy badges.
Please download and print the application.
We look forward to partnering with you as we continue to offer compassionate, faith-informed care to those we serve.
To view the application and find information regarding pastoral care residencies, click here.