Florence Wald

Florence Wald was a pioneering American nurse and advocate for hospice care. Born in 1917, she played a crucial role in establishing the modern hospice movement, emphasizing compassionate end-of-life care. Wald founded the first hospice in the United States, the Connecticut Hospice, in 1974. Her work focused on providing patients with dignity and comfort in their final days, prioritizing their emotional and spiritual needs alongside medical care. Wald's efforts transformed perspectives on dying and palliative care, influencing how healthcare systems approach terminal illness and patient support today. She is celebrated for her contributions to nursing and healthcare ethics.