The History & Mission of Hospice of the Chesapeake

What does “hospice” mean to you?

This fundamental question guided the founders of our not-for-profit, community-based organization when they established Arundel Hospice in 1979. In 1992, we officially became Hospice of the Chesapeake, and we continue to explore this question with our community today.

Our Evolution

From our humble beginnings as an all-volunteer organization inspired by Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross—a pioneering figure in the fields of death and dying—Hospice of the Chesapeake has evolved significantly over the years. While our early focus was on serving those in the moment, today we emphasize a more streamlined and efficient approach, with a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers. Despite this growth, we remain deeply rooted in our mission: to provide quality, compassionate care at the heart of all we do.

Our Mission

Caring for life throughout the journey with illness and loss.

Our Vision

We strive to help individuals and families facing progressive, serious illness to reimagine hope—living each day with intention and peace—while ensuring our nonprofit organization remains a vital resource for future generations.

Our Values

  • Courage: Exercising moral strength in the face of uncertainty.
  • Excellence: Transcending today’s standards through innovation and imagination.
  • Service: Providing consistent care for others with respect, integrity, and pride.
  • Empowerment: Understanding and representing the complex needs of all.

Our Growth

Over the past 45 years, Hospice of the Chesapeake has expanded its services to meet the evolving needs of our community. We now offer supportive care (palliative care), hope and healing programs, children’s programs, integrative arts, and community health initiatives. Our reach has also grown geographically through the acquisition of hospice organizations in Calvert and Charles counties, allowing us to serve nearly 1.7 million residents in Maryland.

As a fully licensed, independent, community-based nonprofit organization, we are certified by Medicare and the State of Maryland, and we proudly hold accreditation from the Joint Commission. Our commitment to compassionate care remains unwavering as we continue to serve our community and honor the legacy of our founders.

Click here to view a full timeline with milestones of our organization.

Click here to see our most recent annual report.