HCCN's national service provides spiritual and emotional support to veterans, active service members

HealthCare Chaplaincy Network (HCCN) today introduced a national service that provides spiritual and emotional support to veterans, active service members, and their families, including the opportunity for one-on-one conversations with professional chaplains via phone, email and video call.

The nonprofit organization unveiled the service at an event commemorating "Four Chaplains Day" to honor four U.S. Army chaplains of differing faiths who gave up their lives to save others when the torpedoed U.S.A.T. Dorchester, with 920 soldiers aboard, sank on February 3, 1943, as well as all men and women who have served or are currently serving our country. It held the event at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York.

Designed specifically for military and their families, HCCN's ChaplainCareforVeterans.org features online information, resources, and supportive counseling to address painful feelings such as hopelessness, guilt, loneliness, anger and grief that can lead to spiritual distress. Central to this free and confidential service is Chat with a Chaplain, which allows individuals, regardless of religion or beliefs, to connect with a professionally-trained multi-faith chaplain 24/7 via the Internet, phone (844-CARE4VETS), or video call.

"We want these heroic Americans to know we are here for them," said Rev. Eric J. Hall, HCCN's president and CEO. "There is increasing recognition that both public and private sectors must pitch in to meet the needs of veterans, current service members, and their families. At the same time, changes in our overall health care system underscore the need to adjust how we deliver care for the body, mind and soul—for both military and civilians alike."

Research indicates that strong spiritual connections can significantly and positively impact the mental health of military and their families to cope with the impact of war. A 2011 Pew survey reports that 44 percent of post-9/11 veterans are having difficulty adjusting to civilian life

"Addressing the spiritual needs of the veteran and the family are essential to helping these individuals resume their lives with the peace and comfort that existed prior to their wartime experience," said Richard E. Powers, M.D., a psychiatrist who served in the U.S. Army and has practiced in Veterans Administration hospitals for 30 years. "It takes a chaplain or other spiritual advisor to walk with that veteran as they resolve the spiritual conflicts that can be caused by the complex stressors of war."