Veterans have access to hospital chaplains at VA medical facilities. Although many veterans may be unfamiliar with this service, chaplains exist to ensure that all veterans have access to 'clinical pastoral care' and that inpatient veterans have their right to free exercise of religion protected. The chaplains also ensure that the veterans do not have religion imposed on them.
Chaplains are available every hour of every day in every VA medical center. They can help you contact members of your local clergy. They can also help you find the chapel or meditation room in the medical center or provide you with spiritual/religious literature at your request.
Every veteran has the choice to see a chaplain or not. Inpatients at a VA medical facility are usually visited by a chaplain during their stay, but these visits can be avoided if the veteran indicates that they do not want one.
You can learn about the history of VA chaplains, as well as find your local chaplain, on the VA National Chaplain Center Home.
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