About Us

Mission

To prevent and relieve suffering and promote quality of life, at every stage of life, through patient and family care, education, research and advocacy.

History

San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine (SDHIPM) was the first hospice program in the County, since 1977, and was established by a group of caring individuals motivated by a common concern for terminally ill patients and their families.

The organization accepted its first 10 patients in 1977, offering volunteer services only that included friendly visits: help with housework, transportation and respite care, i.e., staying with patients and family members so loved ones might be able to get away for a few hours or take a break from their care giving duties.

In 1978, San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine hired a professional staff and cared for 71 patients. In 1979, the organization became a licensed home health agency, providing specialized health care and support for the terminally ill. Services included nursing and home health services as well as continuing emotional and practical support provided by trained professionals in social work, counseling and bereavement.

Over the years, the organization has seen dramatic growth, now caring for more than 1,200 adults and children each day throughout the county. With unwavering support from the community, and steadfast leadership, San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine has evolved into a world class organization offering exemplary patient care, education and research programs. The organization is consistently recognized for excellence, innovation, and integrity; for example, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s “Award of Excellence” in 1998, recognizing the medical student rotation curriculum developed and hosted by the organization, which was featured on the CNN news show “CNN Impact.” Other examples include the Circle of Life Award from American Hospital Association, San Diego Magazine’s Non-Profit Organization of the Year in 2003, the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in 2005 and the University of San Diego’s Kaleidoscope Award for exceptional governance in 2008, and recognition as the “gold-standard” in the field of hospice and palliative care by the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Editorial Board in 2010.

California's first and only specially licensed hospice-hospital:

The Inpatient Care Center at San Diego Hospice - In addition to caring for more than 1,200 patients each day throughout the county - in a patient's home or wherever they reside - San Diego Hospice operates the area's original hospice-hospital - the Inpatient Care Center - to meet the acute care needs of patients. View pictures of our Inpatient Care Center, located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, CA.