The Institute for Spirituality and Health (ISH) is an independent, interfaith, non-profit organization located at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1955 under the guidance of Dr. Frederick C. Elliott, then Executive Director of the Texas Medical Center, the Institute was originally established to foster a religious presence throughout the medical campus.[1][2]
The Institute was founded as the Institute of Religion in 1955 and it was originally located on the corner of Bertner and Wilkins streets on the Texas Medical Center campus. It moved in 2001 after Tropical Storm Allison destroyed the old building.[2][3]
The Institute's first director was pastor Dawson Bryan, who focused on educating chaplains and ministerial students about hospital care and nursing students about the role of religion in healthcare. From 1955 to 1968, the Institute served as a center for chaplain education, including providing official training for chaplains in the United States Air Force.[2][3]
Bryan was followed by Reverend Thompson L. Shannon in 1968. At this point, the Institute was renamed to the Institute of Religion and Human Development. It began to focus more on medical ethics, as chaplain training had become more widespread among hospitals. In March 1968, the Institute worked with Rice University to hold the first Ethics in Medicine and Technology Conference.[2] In 1982, the Institute, Rice University, and Baylor College of Medicine founded the Center for Medical Ethics, the first independent center of its kind.[2]
The Institute was renamed to the Institute of Religion and Health in 2003, and then the current name, the Institute of Spirituality and Health, in 2008.[2]
Over time, the Institute created more specialized centers, starting with the Children's Center in 1977.[2]
Current Organization and Work
Institute for Spirituality Health is organized into four centers:
The Center for Aging and End of Life integrates spiritual considerations into healthcare during times of illness, suffering, and death. Its anchor program, the Interfaith Spiritual Care Coalition, trains lay volunteers to provide spiritual care in healthcare facilities, with additional programs including bereavement support groups and continuing education for healthcare professionals.[4]
The Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Center for Healthcare Professionals equips healthcare professionals to integrate spirituality into patient care through conferences, workshops, and partnerships with medical institutions. The center teaches cultural competency, spiritual intelligence, and self-care practices.[5]
The Center for Body, Spirit, and Mind promotes whole-person health through mind-body practices, focusing on underserved populations. Its anchor program, the Greater Houston Healing Collaborative, offers community-based healing through groups and workshops teaching stress reduction techniques.[6]
The Center for Faith and Public Health bridges faith communities and public health systems through health ministries and partnerships. Its anchor program, Cities for Better Health-Houston, supports people with diabetes, while other programs address vaccine equity and public health challenges in faith communities.[7]
↑ Nickell, Cathey (2015). Uniting Faith, Medicine and Healthcare: A 60-Year History of The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center (2nded.). Houston, TX: The Institute for Spirituality and Health. pp.15–22. ISBN978-0-692-42613-5.
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