Dear Bristol Hospice Volunteer Managers and Volunteers,

The hospice movement started in England in the 1960s and migrated to the United States in the 1970s. Early hospices were entirely volunteer-run and dependent on charitable contributions and volunteer staff to provide the intensive and personalized care central to the hospice concept. From the beginning the focus has been on providing care in the patient’s own home. During the 1970s, hospice leaders began meeting regularly to formulate model standards for guiding development of hospice care. Creation of the National Hospice Organization in 1978 provided a national forum for discussion, education, and support of quality standards for hospices.

To celebrate the history of how hospice was founded, National Volunteer Week is celebrated annually during the third week of April. This week-long celebration is about placing a spotlight on inspiring figures whose invaluable seeds of kindness through volunteering are bettering the community and our world in general. This significant celebration which was established in 1974 provides the perfect opportunity to say thank you.

To our Bristol Hospice Volunteers Managers and Volunteers, the executive leadership team and I thank you for your countless contributions to serving your community.

Alex Mauricio

President & CEO

Bristol Hospice

Cell: 925-765-9435