Company Profile
Hospice of Santa Barbara, Inc.
Company Overview
Hospice of Santa Barbara, Inc., the second oldest Hospice in the United States, is a unique and innovative organization that serves more than six hundred children and adults monthly who are either facing a life threatening illness or grieving the loss of a loved one. All of our services are provided free of charge. We receive no support from government or insurance agencies, and are dependent on the support of the community for all we do. We have a highly committed staff and foster a positive, collaborative, and creative work environment. We make a difference in the lives of hundreds of people every year and believe it is a privilege to be serving others.
Company History
The mission of Hospice of Santa Barbara, Inc. is to provide care to anyone experiencing the impact of a life threatening illness, or grieving the death of a loved one. Hospice of Santa Barbara, Inc., a non-profit hospice organization established in 1974, is the second oldest hospice in the United States. Highlights of the 33 year history are:
1974 - Elizabeth Kubler-Ross leads workshop at Casa de Maria on “Life, Loss and Transition” and is appointed Honorary Chairperson, Board of Directors, Hospice of Santa Barbara.
1977 - Training begins to educate community at large in the “care of the dying”. Hospice Patient Care Volunteers begin to meet patient and family needs.
1980 - Funding received in 1979 from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to study the efficacy of Hospice volunteerism culminates in the publication of two HEW manuals, How to Start a Hospice and Training Hospice Volunteers. Santa Barbara Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Santa Barbara collaborate on Hospice Demonstration Project funded by the Health Care Finance Administration.
1983 - Hospice of Santa Barbara becomes a licensed home health care organization and is approved to receive reimbursement under the MediCare Hospice Certified Benefit.
1990 - The Santa Barbara Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Santa Barbara collaborate to establish Hospice Services of Santa Barbara.
1994 - Leigh Block House, a six bed residence for hospice patients, is opened by Hospice Services of Santa Barbara.
2001 - Hospice of Santa Barbara, Inc. establishes itself as a volunteer hospice providing services to meet the emotional, social and spiritual needs of people facing the end of life or grieving the death of a loved one.
2007 – Hospice of Santa Barbara moves its offices to the Riviera Park Complex where its programs can flourish in a compassionate, healing environment.