Celebrate 50 years of Alive through stories of compassionate care, community impact, visionary leadership, and the moments that shaped our mission.
-
How Our Signature Fundraiser Began
Take a look back at Alive & The Bluebird
-
Alive's Camps for Grieving Kids and Teens
For decades Alive has been helping kids and teens in Middle Tennessee process their grief at our annual grief camps.
-
Reflection on Legacy from Lynn Barton
Legacy is an important topic at Alive. Read what legacy means to Alive's Co-Founder, Lynn Barton.
-
Alive Expands in Murfreesboro
Alive Expanded in Murfreesboro with our second residence, which now has 16 beds.
Tell Us Your Story!
Do you have a favorite memory of Alive? We want to hear from you, please share your story with us.
50 Years of Compassion and Care
1975
Alive Hospice is established by Dr. David Barton, Dr. John Flexner, and Lynn Barton. It becomes the first hospice in the Southeast and one of the first in the U.S., focused on compassionate end-of-life care.
1982
The federal government introduces the Medicare Hospice Benefit, enabling hospice services to be covered by Medicare, significantly increasing access for patients nationwide, including those served by Alive.
1994
Alive launches its annual concert series at The Bluebird Cafe, combining live music with community support. Now a beloved tradition, it has become the longest-running series at the venue and a major fundraiser for Alive. Read more
2002
In partnership with Vanderbilt Home Care Services, Alive launches a program for terminally ill patients not eligible for Medicare hospice, expanding access to care.
2003
Alive began hosting Camp Forget-Me-Not, a grief camp for children and teens, which continues today. This marks a major milestone in expanding community grief programming.
2005
Alive acquired Hospice of Murfreesboro, expanding its service area in Middle Tennessee.
2007
Alive opens its Nashville inpatient hospice unit, the region’s only nonprofit, stand-alone inpatient hospice facility.
2011
The GIFT Initiative of Alive launched to empower Middle Tennesseans to complete advance care directives.
2013
Alive begins offering specialized pediatric palliative care services, addressing the needs of children with serious illnesses and their families.
2014
Dr. David and Mrs. Lynn Barton win the Nashville Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award for their role in founding Alive.
2017
Alive opens a new inpatient residence in Murfreesboro, expanding access to 24/7 hospice care in Rutherford County. New offices in Lebanon and Hendersonville bring grief support and clinical services closer to families in Wilson and Sumner Counties.
2018
The Henry Hooker Alive Connect telehealth program begins, enabling remote care and bridging gaps for patients and providers.
2019
Alive opens a new office in Franklin, expanding local access to hospice care and grief support for families in Williamson County.
2020
Following a tornado and the onset of COVID-19, Alive rapidly scales up telehospice to serve hundreds of patients and families virtually.
2021
Dr. David Barton and Dr. John Flexner are honored for their groundbreaking work in hospice care by the Tennessee Healthcare Hall of Fame.
2025
2025 marks 50 years of dedication to providing comfort, compassion, and support to thousands of patients and families throughout Middle Tennessee.
