Groundbreaking Women in Hospice
Since 1995, United States presidents have designated March as “Women’s History Month.” It’s a time to celebrate the contributions women have made and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. I can’t help but think of the women who were instrumental in bringing hospice care to the United States, and to Northwest Ohio.
The first hospice in America was The Connecticut Hospice, founded in 1974 by Florence Wald, and a group of nurses, physicians, and clergy. Wald was inspired to bring this level of care to the United States, after attending a palliative care lecture given by Dame Cicely Saunders, the founder of St. Christopher’s Hospice, the first hospice in the world. Dr. Saunders believed that terminally ill patients not only needed effective pain management, but also dignity, compassion and respect. She introduced the concept of “total pain” which includes physical, emotional, social and spiritual elements.
After learning of the benefits of hospice care, a group of passionate volunteers used their compassion, leadership and tenacity to bring this level of care to our very own community. Dr. Sharon Erel, the founding Medical Director and Virginia Clifford, the founding Executive Director of Hospice of Northwest Ohio were both visionaries and driving forces. Their strong will and commitment were vital to starting an independent, non-profit hospice dedicated to serving any patient and family in our community. Under their leadership, Hospice of Northwest Ohio became the first hospice in Ohio to be Medicare certified. When Virginia retired in 2000, Judy Seibenick, one of our three original nurses, took the helm as Executive Director and then President/CEO until 2021.
These women’s passion for caring for the community’s seriously and terminally ill still resonates throughout our agency. Today, our amazing staff and volunteers, along with the support of our community have shaped a legacy hospice, with a stellar reputation and dedication to transforming the way people view and experience end of life. We would not be the community’s hospice without the vision of all these incredible women.