Chaplain services
VA Northern California health care chaplains serve people of all faiths and denominations as well as patients and families looking for non-denominational support. They are here to listen and offer spiritual and emotional support as you struggle with tough questions and ethical decisions.
Spiritual and religious services
The VA Northern California Chaplain Services department provides professional interfaith chaplaincy services. We serve people of all faith traditions, as well as those who do not follow any religious or spiritual tradition. Chaplains are on-site in the medical center during the day, and are on-call during off-duty hours.
Examples of when you might want to speak to a chaplain
Sometimes it helps to talk when you are sad, lonely, angry, or hopeless. We Listen.
- Chaplains can be present and provide emotional or spiritual support.
- Chaplains can provide support for cultural and/or religious concerns.
- Chaplains can offer support to your family while you are in the hospital.
- Chaplains can provide spiritual literature as requested. If needed, Chaplains can sometimes read aloud for veterans.
- Chaplains can offer a blessing or a prayer.
Worship services
People of all faiths and traditions are invited to attend:
Protestant services:
Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at Martinez VA Medical Center
Benefits
Research shows that spiritually active patients experience or report:
- Faster healing
- Greater coping skills
- Reduced pain
- Better quality of life
Contact a chaplain
For more information, please call one of our chaplains Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT.
General phone line
916-843-9221
Joanne Martindale
Chief Chaplain
VA Northern California health care
Phone:
Franklin Yapp
Chaplain
VA Northern California health care
Phone:
Chaplain Yapp can also be reached at 916-890-6150 (cell).
Carolyn Talmadge
Chaplain
VA Northern California health care
Phone:
Nancy Smith
Chaplain
VA Northern California health care
Phone: