HealthCare Chaplaincy Network names 10 patient care honorees

HealthCare Chaplaincy Network recognized 10 2026 Patient Care Honorees at its Wholeness of Life Gala in New York City on Thursday. The honorees span seven states and reflect HCCN’s push to elevate spiritual care in health care.

Why it matters: - HealthCare Chaplaincy Network used its annual gala to spotlight spiritual care as part of health care, not an add-on. - The honorees represent roles across hospitals and care settings, showing that spiritual support can come from chaplains, nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers and other caregivers. - HCCN says the gala is its largest source of awareness and revenue, supporting its mission to expand spiritual care through clinical practice, research and education.

What happened: - HealthCare Chaplaincy Network named its 2026 Patient Care Honorees at the Wholeness of Life Gala on Thursday at Il Cortile in New York City. - The organization recognized 10 people for service described as compassionate spiritual care. - The honorees come from seven U.S. states, stretching from Florida to Michigan to Arizona. - The Wholeness of Life Gala is designed to give voice to spiritual care in health care and honor people dedicated to compassionate care.

The details: - Rev. Eric J. Hall, CEO of HCCN and the Spiritual Care Association, said the organization uses the annual recognition to honor people who make a difference every day or over a lifetime in providing compassionate spiritual care. - HCCN said the call for nominees drew an overwhelming response. - The 2026 honorees are Alyssa Mundt of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System in Sarasota, Fla.; Kalyn Tinsley of Henry Ford Health in Detroit, Mich.; Chaplain Marilyn Davis-Okubudike of ECU Health Inpatient Hospice in Greenville, N.C.; Chaplain Jenny Byxbee of Greenwich Chaplaincy Services and Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, Conn.; Chaplain Shirley Dash of Providence Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Yeadon, Penn.; Chaplain Javier Casas of Phoenix Children's Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.; Dr. Khalid Shirif of Anthem Hospice in Mesa, Ariz.; Chaplain Jason Cooper of Vitas Health Care in Miramar, Fla.; Rabbi Lior Nevo of Hebrew SeniorLife in Boston, Mass.; and Chaplain Issa Kabeer of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania/Achieve Academy in Philadelphia, Penn. - HCCN said the honorees exemplify “Caring for the Human Spirit.” - The organization posted the honorees on the Wholeness of Life Gala site at the gala page. - HCCN says the gala helps sustain its ministry and continue work aimed at improving patient experience and patient satisfaction.

Between the lines: - The honorees list suggests HCCN is broadening the idea of spiritual care beyond chaplaincy alone. - The mix of faith leaders, clinicians and care staff points to a model of support that is embedded across the care team. - HCCN’s emphasis on awareness and fundraising shows the gala is both a recognition event and an operational lifeline for the organization.

What's next: - HCCN will continue using the Wholeness of Life Gala to raise funds and public attention for spiritual care in health care. - Supporters can donate through HCCN’s donation page. - The organization also directs readers to its social channels on Facebook and X.