As a faith-based health care ministry, Mercy Health embraces the power of spiritual healing. It is present in all aspects of operations. Thanks to your gift, the same care and compassion delivered to patients is provided to Mercy Health associates to keep them at their best.

Tea for the Soul is one example of how spiritual care is ever-present at Mercy Health — St. Rita’s Medical Center. Led by Chaplain Scott Long and fully funded by donors, the program is a simple and effective way to care for those who care for others.

“It’s a way to say thank you, a way to bless them in their work,” says Scott. “We provide a pause in what can sometimes be a very stressful day. We invite associates to take a moment for themselves. To laugh, enjoy a sweet treat and have some fun conversations. And sometimes, some serious ones as well.”

From a structural standpoint, Tea for the Soul doesn’t look overly complicated. Scott pushes a four-wheeled cart well-appointed with a variety of treats, calming beverages, aroma therapy and soothing music, through the clinical units on a rotating basis each week.

“Everybody’s busy. And, there’s some heavy things that they’re dealing with,” Scott says. “But even in the midst of those heavy things, when that cart comes, it seems to lift a weight.”

Scott is grateful to the donors who make Tea for the Soul possible.

“I love administering the cart,” he says. “I’m blessed to be able to see the difference that it makes. I’m blessed to see the joy that comes from it in the midst of some very difficult situations.”