A message for UTMB Health staff from Chaplain Donna Hussey
“Have you ever looked closely at an anchor? It has a unique shape and usually weighs a lot! Recently, I learned an anchor can secure a vessel up to 200 times its weight! Its “flukes” dig deep into the sandy bottom to hold the vessel secure and to keep it on its course. On the surface, a ship may be tossed around to and fro, but it will never leave the secure spot in which it was anchored.
“You have an anchor for your soul through the pastoral care at UTMB. As a part of the care team of UTMB, we pop in to say hi, ask how you were doing and get a few minutes to enter your “story.” As you share about your family, a struggle you might be facing or difficult care situations, we hope to meet your emotional or spiritual needs through listening, support and care.
“Most of the time, though, our presence is a part of the team caring for a patient and our family in crisis. Our hope and prayer is that we are like an anchor: Though you can't see or talk to us all of the time, we are “underneath,” providing a secure hold in these times for our patients, families and staff—that means you!
“Always know that as we walk the hospital halls, we are always there for you. Behind things, we pray silently for you as you do the work you are called to do.
“Again, we are here for you! Even though you reach out to us to support a patient or a family, YOU may need our support too! We can provide support through one-on-one time with you, a team huddle or pray with you or your family during a crisis you may be facing. Your pastoral came care team can be an anchor for your soul.”
About Donna
Donna Hussey grew up in Clear Lake City. Though her college and seminary years took her to other places, she now calls Clear Lake City home. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Howard Payne University and a master's degree in religious education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
She completed her Clinical Pastoral Education residency at Houston Methodist Clear Lake in Nassau Bay and currently is in the process of becoming a board-certified chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains.
Donna has served in various student ministries for over 30 years and will be celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary with her husband, Mark. They have three children.
Donna enjoys vacationing with friends and family, spending time with people and enjoying the beauty of nature, particularly the bluebonnets. She’s a lifetime member of PTA, has been involved in Girl Scouts with her daughters for over 20 years and serves on the alumni board of Howard Payne University. She attends Sagemont Church in Houston.
Donna’s ministry focus is following the example of Jesus who “sees” people where they are.
“Through hearing their story, being present with them to support or guide them, it is my hope that whatever need they have, I can provide for that need and be the hands and feet of God,” she s