Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH) in Memphis is creating a "Center of Excellence in Faith and Health." To be housed at Methodist University Hospital, the center will include a "family-centered healing environment" that features a quiet area, laundry rooms, showers for family members, and space for chaplains and clergy to counsel their members.

The project will also add a resource center, meeting space, and a meditation garden with a labyrinth and prayer area, and will feature a 24/7 on-call chaplain. A founding gift of $1 million will get the project rolling, and construction should begin in January 2008.

"In the past two decades a growing body of evidence has emerged that shows that patients who are active participants in a worshipping community have significantly better health outcomes," said Gary R. Gunderson, MLH's senior vice president of health and welfare ministries. "The Center of Excellence in Faith and Health reflects solid medical evidence that the link between faith and health is important to long-term patient outcomes."