The 40+ Year History of Big Bend Hospice

1981
1981

Grassroots visioning and planning by volunteers who want to start a hospice in our area.

1983
1983

On April 1st, 1983, Big Bend Hospice is licensed by the State of Florida to provide Hospice Care in the 8-county service area.

Dr. James Mabry, Jr. is named the first Big Bend Hospice Medical Director.

In July of 1983, Big Bend Hospice is able to accept its first patients.

The main office moves to 1315 Hodges Drive.

1984
1984

Big Bend Hospice moves into United Church Bldg (with only three paid employees, the rest are volunteers).

Big Bend Hospice is accepted as a United Way Agency.

Big Bend Hospice hosts the Fashion Show, the first official "Spring Fling" started by Friends of Big Bend Hospice.

1985
1985

Donna Harper retires as CEO.

Mae Page and Jean Coyne each serve as acting directors through December of 1985.

Margaret Graham is welcomed as the new CEO.

1986
1986

Big Bend Hospice is certified to receive Medicare reimbursement.

Medicaid includes Hospice as an option.

1987
1987

Elaine Bartelt is welcomed as the new Big Bend Hospice CEO (and continues to serve through 2003).

1988
1988

Jean Coyne, RN joins Big Bend Hospice as its first full-time registered nurse.

Big Bend Hospice moves to 1329 6th Avenue, Tallahassee.

1989
1989

Big Bend Hospice's first Bereavement Group (9-week group).

1990
1990

Big Bend Hospice moves to 1932 Miccosukee Rd., Tallahassee.

The first Big Bend Hospice Memorial Service is held at Faith Presbyterian Rd. on John Knox Rd.

1992
1992

Big Bend Hospice opens a satellite office in Carrabelle to serve Wakulla and Franklin counties.

1994
1994

Big Bend Hospice hosts its first Tree of Remembrance.

A satellite office is opened on Capital Circle NE.

1995
1995

Children's grief outreach begins school-based services.

The Big Bend Hospice youth bereavement program is established, The Caring Tree of Big Bend Hospice.

1996
1996

Big Bend Hospice Foundation is granted approval as a 501c3 for the purpose of supporting the mission and services of Big Bend Hospice.

On October 3rd, 1996, the Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the new main office, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd.

The first Camp Woe-Be-Gone for grieving children. Prior to this, Camp Woe-Be-Gone was referred to as "Grief Express".

1998
1998

The first Hope for the Holidays is held.

The George Hanselman Gazebo is built at 1723 Mahan Center Blvd.

1999
1999

Big Bend Hospice Foundation reaches $1M for Capital Campaign.

2000
2000

Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Margaret Z. Dozier Hospice House (February 1st, 2020).

The Margaret Z. Dozier House stained glass window is commissioned from Bischoff Studios in Quincy, FL by a local donor.

The Big Bend Hospice Music Therapy Program is established.

The first annual Dr. Bass Large Mouth Golf Tournament is held (later referred to as the Dr. Glenn Bass Golf Tournament).

2001
2001

The Big Bend Hospice Endowment is established at the Community Foundation of North Florida.

2003
2003

A tribute is held for Elaine C. Bartelt, President/CEO of Big Bend Hospice, who retires after 16 years of service.

Dr. James Mabry retires after 20 years as Big Bend Hospice's Medical Director.

2004
2004

John McElligott is welcomed as Big Bend Hospice's new CEO.

The Tallahassee Democrat awards Big Bend Hospice "Non-Profit of the Year".

Dr. Ronald Hartsfield and Dr. Bryan David Robinson are welcomed as Big Bend Hospice's new co-Medical Directors.

2005
2005

Big Bend Hospice is voted Non-Profit "Best of Tally" Award by Tallahassee Magazine.

The Remembrance Walkway is dedicated at Margaret Z. Dozier Hospice House.

Breaking Bread Gatherings begin.

Coventry Farms hosts the 1st Annual Horse Show & Luau to benefit The Caring Tree Program of Big Bend Hospice.

2006
2006

Carla Braveman joins Big Bend Hospice as the new President/CEO.

2007
2007

The first Dr. Jessie Furlow Memorial event is held in Quincy, FL.

2008
2008

Big Bend Hospice celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Big Bend Hospice partners with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital to host Dr. Ira Byock for a seminar based on his book, Four Things that Matter Most.

Big Bend Hospice's Caring Tree Youth Bereavement Program & Coventry Farms are each awarded $5,000 in "Giving Back" contest hosted by Stable Management and Pfizer Animal Health.

2009
2009

First Annual Pat Ramsey Tribute Concert.

Big Bend Hospice launches first website.

Tea Time Tuesdays begin at the Dozier Hospice House.

First Annual Jefferson Joyful Noise Fundraiser held.

2010
2010

Big Bend Hospice Foundation begins $5M Capital Campaign.

First Annual Share the Journey Benefit Concert held in memory of Jerry Lee Krause.

2012
2012

Big Bend Hospice starts the Valor Program.

2013
2013

Big Bend Hospice joins We Honor Veterans.

Big Bend Hospice celebrates its 30th anniversary.

2014
2014

Cathy Adkinson is welcomed as the new President/CEO of Big Bend Hospice.

Dr. Nancy Chorba is welcomed as the new Medical Director of Big Bend Hospice.

2015
2015

Big Bend Hospice is chosen by the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce as the Not for Profit of the Year.

2016
2016

Big Bend Hospice purchases a new office at 402 E. Ash Street in Perry, FL.

2018
2018

Big Bend Hospice joins with Pet Peace of Mind to ensure patients and their pets can stay together during their time in hospice.

Big Bend Hospice creates the Veteran Liaison position to head the Veterans Program.

AmeriCorps program begins to assist veteran patients and their families.

2020
2020

Bill Wertman, MSW is named Big Bend Hospice CEO and Administrator.

Jon Wood is named Chief Financial Office/Chief Operating Officer.

Big Bend Hospice achieves We Honor Veterans Level 5 Status.

2022
2022

Big Bend Hospice breaks ground on Jefferson County Office.

2023
2023
Big Bend Hospice celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care, in partnership with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

2024
2024

Big Bend Hospice and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare announce partnership.

Big Bend Hospice names Jon Wood as President and Chief Strategy Officer and Dr. Deborah Morris as Chief Medical Officer of Seven Oaks Health.