First U.S. Hospice Marks 50th Year, Gala Honors Founder Florence Wald

BRANFORD, CT — In the New York Times' 2008 obituary for Florence S. Wald, a writer noted that she had a "vision of bringing the terminally ill peace of mind and, to whatever extent possible, freedom from pain." And, it was that guiding principle which led her to found the first palliative care hospice in the nation.

A Yale School of Nursing dean from 1959 to 1966, it was in '67 that she was inspired after a seminar she attended given by the founder of the world's first hospice, Dame Cicely Saunders.

Wald, who died at age 91 in Branford, was the "prime mover," in founding The Connecticut Hospice. It was 1973 when the nation’s first home-care program for the terminally ill was opened by her, two physicians and a clergy member, establishing the first hospice office at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven. Six years later, in 1979, then-Ct governor Ella T. Grasso approved funding and a 44-patient hospice opened in Branford.

In Yale Nursing Matters, it's noted that Wald is a member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, was recognized as an American Academy of Nursing Living Legend, and received an honorary Yale degree in 1995.

Now, The Connecticut Hospice is preparing to celebrate being the first hospice in the country to reach the half-century mark —“50 Years of Caring!” under the stars overlooking the shores of Branford —and its founder, Florence Wald and "and how it changed the world of medicine and the state of Connecticut forever." The gala is set for Saturday, September 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"We will enjoy great food, drink and music while celebrating the amazing work of Florence Wald and how it changed the world of medicine and the state of Connecticut forever," noted The Connecticut Hospice spokesperson Mary Fitzgerald.

About The Connecticut Hospice

As the first hospice, The Connecticut Hospice has played a key role in setting the national standard in hospice care and gaining approval for hospice care to be covered under Medicare/Medicaid. Through the years, The Connecticut Hospice has developed the highest in professional skills for end-of-life care management. Over time, America’s first hospice progressed from its original beginnings—providing care for cancer patients and their families—to serving all patients, regardless of diagnosis. The Connecticut Hospice continues to provide the best in hospice care both inpatient, at its 52-bed waterfront facility, and wherever the patient calls home, including: residential, skilled nursing facility, assisted living center or long-term care facility.

For more information on how you can purchase tickets or make a donation, please visit
www.hospice.com, call 203-315-7502, or email development@hospice.com