The History of Hospice Atlanta

The History of Hospice Atlanta

Providing Hospice Care to the greater Atlanta area since 1975.

Hospice Atlanta logo

Hospice Atlanta is the oldest hospice in the State of Georgia and had its beginning in 1975. At that time, two women from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Frances West and Mona Casino, began the program in order to care for a member of their congregation. Members of the church gathered together to support that patient and their family.

As time went on, the number of volunteers increased, and they began to serve more patients. A board of directors was developed to assist in guiding the volunteer staff. Volunteer support groups met in the homes of various volunteers. Saint Joseph’s Hospital donated office space and an initial grant was obtained in 1981 for hiring professional staff. Patient and family services were still provided by volunteers and consisted primarily of emotional and practical support.

In 1983, Hospice Atlanta became a program of the Visiting Nurse Association of Metropolitan Atlanta, a United Way Agency. This affiliation enabled hospice to comply with newly enacted state and federal standards governing provision of hospice care. In addition, Hospice Atlanta hired professional caregivers (nurses and social workers) to provide direct services to patients and families. Both professional and paraprofessional volunteers served as members of the hospice team to provide care to patients and their families. During 1984 and 1985, Hospice Atlanta’s caseload and staffing increased significantly. This trend has continued, as hospice care has become better known in the community and among health care professionals. We now serve terminal patients and their families in 26 counties in the State of Georgia.

Learn more about our Hospice Care today!

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We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast!
Thank you OTs for all you do!

#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️

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We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast! Thank you OTs for all you do! #OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️

We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast!
Thank you OTs for all you do!

#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️ ...

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Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!

Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.

This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.

#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief

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Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today! Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025. This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey. Participants will have the opportunity to: • Hear from others who understand the grief journey. • Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support. • Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief. Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required. #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief

Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!

Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.

This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.

#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief ...

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As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!

Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!

#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond

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As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer! Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry! #volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond

As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!

Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!

#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond ...

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Thank you to all of our Administrative Support Professionals! Celebrating you this week, this month and ALWAYS! You`re support is second to none, we`re grateful for all you do! #support #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

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Thank you to all of our Administrative Support Professionals! Celebrating you this week, this month and ALWAYS! You're support is second to none, we're grateful for all you do! #support #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

Thank you to all of our Administrative Support Professionals! Celebrating you this week, this month and ALWAYS! You`re support is second to none, we`re grateful for all you do! #support #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta ...

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Instagram post 17872661628338709
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Go Hawks Beat the Heat Tonight!

Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta celebrates the Hawks players, organization and Foundation for all they do to support our Atlanta community!
Here are some Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta employees and their loved ones, cheering on the Hawks last weekend!
Good luck tonight taking on the Miami Heat!
#GoHawks #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

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Go Hawks Beat the Heat Tonight! Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta celebrates the Hawks players, organization and Foundation for all they do to support our Atlanta community! Here are some Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta employees and their loved ones, cheering on the Hawks last weekend! Good luck tonight taking on the Miami Heat! #GoHawks #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

Go Hawks Beat the Heat Tonight!

Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta celebrates the Hawks players, organization and Foundation for all they do to support our Atlanta community!
Here are some Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta employees and their loved ones, cheering on the Hawks last weekend!
Good luck tonight taking on the Miami Heat!
#GoHawks #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta ...

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We’re proud to share our President and CEO, Dorothy Davis, joined other Georgia healthcare leaders this week in Washington DC, gathering April 9 for LeadingAge Lobby Day.
The team meet with both Republican and Democratic representatives to ensure healthcare and choice remain an option for seniors.
As Visiting Nurse began over 76 years ago, our mission is to improve the lives of those we serve, and we carried the voices of our patients and caregivers to the Georgia representatives.
We honor this dedicated team of healthcare leaders (Ginny Helms, Deke Cateau, Chris Keysor, Karon Nixon) committed to work in connection directly with local and federal policymakers, to continue helping to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. Thank you to these strong leaders, for their unwavering dedication and for being a voice for those who need it most.
#HealthcareEquality #Advocacy #Leadership #MakingADifference #leadingage #washington #visitingnursehealthsystem

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We’re proud to share our President and CEO, Dorothy Davis, joined other Georgia healthcare leaders this week in Washington DC, gathering April 9 for LeadingAge Lobby Day. The team meet with both Republican and Democratic representatives to ensure healthcare and choice remain an option for seniors. As Visiting Nurse began over 76 years ago, our mission is to improve the lives of those we serve, and we carried the voices of our patients and caregivers to the Georgia representatives. We honor this dedicated team of healthcare leaders (Ginny Helms, Deke Cateau, Chris Keysor, Karon Nixon) committed to work in connection directly with local and federal policymakers, to continue helping to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. Thank you to these strong leaders, for their unwavering dedication and for being a voice for those who need it most. #HealthcareEquality #Advocacy #Leadership #MakingADifference #leadingage #washington #visitingnursehealthsystem

We’re proud to share our President and CEO, Dorothy Davis, joined other Georgia healthcare leaders this week in Washington DC, gathering April 9 for LeadingAge Lobby Day.
The team meet with both Republican and Democratic representatives to ensure healthcare and choice remain an option for seniors.
As Visiting Nurse began over 76 years ago, our mission is to improve the lives of those we serve, and we carried the voices of our patients and caregivers to the Georgia representatives.
We honor this dedicated team of healthcare leaders (Ginny Helms, Deke Cateau, Chris Keysor, Karon Nixon) committed to work in connection directly with local and federal policymakers, to continue helping to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. Thank you to these strong leaders, for their unwavering dedication and for being a voice for those who need it most.
#HealthcareEquality #Advocacy #Leadership #MakingADifference #leadingage #washington #visitingnursehealthsystem ...

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Visiting Nurse Health System is proud to announce that Jacqueline Ralph-Blair was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Leading Women for 2025. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors women executives from all sectors of the healthcare industry for their contributions to care delivery improvement, health equity, policy and gender equity in healthcare leadership. Congratulations Jacqueline!

Please join us in congratulation Jacqueline and enjoy the full press release on our website www.vnhs.org

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Visiting Nurse Health System is proud to announce that Jacqueline Ralph-Blair was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Leading Women for 2025. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors women executives from all sectors of the healthcare industry for their contributions to care delivery improvement, health equity, policy and gender equity in healthcare leadership. Congratulations Jacqueline! Please join us in congratulation Jacqueline and enjoy the full press release on our website www.vnhs.org

Visiting Nurse Health System is proud to announce that Jacqueline Ralph-Blair was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Leading Women for 2025. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors women executives from all sectors of the healthcare industry for their contributions to care delivery improvement, health equity, policy and gender equity in healthcare leadership. Congratulations Jacqueline!

Please join us in congratulation Jacqueline and enjoy the full press release on our website www.vnhs.org ...

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We are thrilled to announce that Regina Ramsey-Dockett has been named Employee of the Month for April 2025! 🎉

Regina`s dedication, innovation, and exceptional teamwork have not only driven her success but have also inspired those around her. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to lead with passion have been instrumental to Visiting Nurse for over a decade now!

Please join us in congratulating Regina on this well-deserved recognition. Regina, we are so grateful you choose Visiting Nurse each day! #EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamSuccess #Congratulations

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We are thrilled to announce that Regina Ramsey-Dockett has been named Employee of the Month for April 2025! 🎉 Regina's dedication, innovation, and exceptional teamwork have not only driven her success but have also inspired those around her. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to lead with passion have been instrumental to Visiting Nurse for over a decade now! Please join us in congratulating Regina on this well-deserved recognition. Regina, we are so grateful you choose Visiting Nurse each day! #EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamSuccess #Congratulations

We are thrilled to announce that Regina Ramsey-Dockett has been named Employee of the Month for April 2025! 🎉

Regina`s dedication, innovation, and exceptional teamwork have not only driven her success but have also inspired those around her. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to lead with passion have been instrumental to Visiting Nurse for over a decade now!

Please join us in congratulating Regina on this well-deserved recognition. Regina, we are so grateful you choose Visiting Nurse each day! #EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamSuccess #Congratulations ...

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Great kick off to the first day of the 2025 LeadingAge Georgia Annual Conference!
This year`s theme is "Ripples of Impact," as Georgia`s leaders converge to discover new solutions, empower members to make a rippling impact to Georgia`s seniors, families, and communities!
Meet LeadingAge Georgia Leaders: Ginny Helms, President & CEO LeadingAge Georgia, and Dorothy Davis, our Visiting Nurse|Hospice Atlanta President & CEO who is LeadingAge Georgia Board Chair, and LeadingAge National Policy Team Member.
#leadingagegeorgia2025#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta#2025Conference #seniors

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Great kick off to the first day of the 2025 LeadingAge Georgia Annual Conference! This year's theme is "Ripples of Impact," as Georgia's leaders converge to discover new solutions, empower members to make a rippling impact to Georgia's seniors, families, and communities! Meet LeadingAge Georgia Leaders: Ginny Helms, President & CEO LeadingAge Georgia, and Dorothy Davis, our Visiting Nurse|Hospice Atlanta President & CEO who is LeadingAge Georgia Board Chair, and LeadingAge National Policy Team Member. #leadingagegeorgia2025#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta#2025Conference #seniors

Great kick off to the first day of the 2025 LeadingAge Georgia Annual Conference!
This year`s theme is "Ripples of Impact," as Georgia`s leaders converge to discover new solutions, empower members to make a rippling impact to Georgia`s seniors, families, and communities!
Meet LeadingAge Georgia Leaders: Ginny Helms, President & CEO LeadingAge Georgia, and Dorothy Davis, our Visiting Nurse|Hospice Atlanta President & CEO who is LeadingAge Georgia Board Chair, and LeadingAge National Policy Team Member.
#leadingagegeorgia2025#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta#2025Conference #seniors ...

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Celebrating our Super Hero, Hawks player Onyeka Okongwu or "Big O" , pictured here with our President & CEO Dorothy Davis, during pregame warm ups!
Not only is he incredible on the court, but he`s also making a lasting impact off the court! Big O supported Camp STARS campers this year`s Hospice Atlanta Camp STARS family bereavement camp. Thank you, Big O, for being a star in so many ways! 🌟
#BigO #HawksNation #CommunityChampion #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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Celebrating our Super Hero, Hawks player Onyeka Okongwu or "Big O" , pictured here with our President & CEO Dorothy Davis, during pregame warm ups! Not only is he incredible on the court, but he's also making a lasting impact off the court! Big O supported Camp STARS campers this year's Hospice Atlanta Camp STARS family bereavement camp. Thank you, Big O, for being a star in so many ways! 🌟 #BigO #HawksNation #CommunityChampion #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

Celebrating our Super Hero, Hawks player Onyeka Okongwu or "Big O" , pictured here with our President & CEO Dorothy Davis, during pregame warm ups!
Not only is he incredible on the court, but he`s also making a lasting impact off the court! Big O supported Camp STARS campers this year`s Hospice Atlanta Camp STARS family bereavement camp. Thank you, Big O, for being a star in so many ways! 🌟
#BigO #HawksNation #CommunityChampion #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem ...

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