New York Life Foundation Grant Honors Baystate’s Rev. Ute Schmidt

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health Foundation received a $50,000 grant from the New York Life Foundation to support its Spiritual Services program.

The Love Takes Action Award program awards $50,000 to local nonprofit organizations that are championed by New York Life agents and employees. Foundation trustee and New York Life agent Jean Deliso, CFP nominated the Rev. Ute Schmidt, manager of Spiritual Services at Baystate Health, for her exceptional community service and the compassionate care she showed for patients and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Reverend Schmidt and her team chose to be by the sides of patients to bring them comfort during COVID-19,” Deliso said. “Particularly at the time when family members were not allowed to visit their sick loved ones, she felt it was and is her duty to step into the role of an intimate caregiver. She continues to place herself and her fear aside to meet the needs of her patients.”

Thirty-five community members from across the nation, embodying the philosophy of Love Takes Action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, were honored with the award. Each honoree selected a nonprofit to receive the $50,000 general support grant. Schmidt chose to support Baystate Health’s Spiritual Services program.

Schmidt said is an “honor” to receive the award. “I share this award with the entire spiritual care team at Baystate, who every day brings a compassionate presence to patients, family members, and staff. There is a positive relationship between spirituality and health. The role of spirituality and healing, however, is sometimes overlooked in healthcare.The Love Takes Action Award brings national recognition to and elevates the role of spiritual care, and for that I am truly grateful.”