CMC Chaplain Welcomes Area Pastors

Informational lunch being held Wednesday, October 4

Cumberland Medical Center’s chaplain program is expanding and welcomes area pastors, clergy, and chaplains, who would like to be involved, to join them.

A tremendous amount of support has already been demonstrated; however CMC would like to expand its base of volunteer chaplains to help take call in support of the hospital’s patients. 

As a member of Covenant Health, CMC values service to God in its mission to serve the community by improving the quality of life through better health. Religious and/or spiritual beliefs are an important part of the patient’s overall wellbeing and healing process. Patients desiring spiritual support and counseling are encouraged to inform their nurse during their hospital stay.

Dr. Daniel Sylverston is leading the effort  as CMC’s volunteer chaplain services director and lives in Crossville after moving from Cleveland, Tennessee. Prior to this, he served as National Director for the Irish Chaplain’s Commission based in Dublin, Ireland. As an Ordained Bishop, Dr. Sylverston is licensed in Tennessee as an Assisted Living Facility Administrator. He is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Administrators, and currently serves as Chaplain and Bereavement Director for Avalon Hospice.

“We are pleased to work with Dr. Sylverston in expanding our volunteer chaplain program,” says David Bunch, hospital chief administrative officer. “The importance of recognizing a person’s spiritual well-being during illness and recovery should not be overlooked.  Through Dr. Sylverston’s leadership, we hope to grow this program and increase availability for each patient and their individual spiritual needs.”

Dr. Sylverston has experience collaborating with hospitals to grow chaplain services and invites area pastors, chaplains, and ministers to join him. He will hold an informational session on Wednesday, October 4 at 11:45 a.m. in the CMC conference center located on the hospital’s second floor. Lunch will be provided for those who are interested in the chaplain program. Guests are encouraged to RSVP for the session before Monday, October 2 by calling CMC at (931) 459-4262 or email to [email protected].

Those who choose to become a volunteer chaplain will complete an application and background check as part of the hospital’s volunteer onboarding process. The application is available online at www.cmchealthcare.org.

Anyone who has questions or would like more information about the volunteer chaplain program at Cumberland Medical Center, is encouraged to call Dr. Sylverston at (423) 310-5288.