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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- This year, Presbyterian Healthcare Chaplaincy Services is celebrating 50 years of caring for the community. What started out as one chaplain serving all of Presbyterian Hospital in downtown Charlotte has grown into a comprehensive center of support services staffed by eight chaplains, administrative personnel and a network of parish nurses touching lives in over 100 faith communities throughout the entire region. And despite drastic changes in healthcare over the past 50 years, this group's primary focus has remained constant.

"First and foremost, we are about caring for people at the bedside," said Dr. Scott Lindsay, executive director of Presbyterian Healthcare Chaplaincy Services. "The spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and their families come first every day."

The reach of Presbyterian Healthcare Chaplaincy Services also extends far beyond the walls of the organization's inpatient facilities. Its Parish Nursing and Congregational Health Promoters programs feature registered nurses and trained chaplaincy staff providing educational programs and clinical screenings throughout the community.

In looking to the next 50 years and beyond, Lindsay sees clear opportunities and challenges ahead. With the average length of stay for an inpatient visit decreasing, it is now more difficult to reach every patient in need before he or she leaves the hospital.

"This calls for us to become even more persistent and versatile in order to get to those who need our services," said Lindsay.

He also cited the changing religious climate of our community and the impact it will have on providing spiritual support to a diverse population. To help raise awareness of this trend, Presbyterian is hosting a special lunch and learn program entitled "The Dignity of Diversity," which will be held Friday, Oct. 27 at Presbyterian Hospital. This program will cap off a week-long celebration of Presbyterian Healthcare Chaplaincy Services' golden anniversary.