Alive Congratulates Founders Dr. Barton and Dr. Flexner on Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame Induction

The late Dr. John Flexner.

Alive, the only nonprofit provider of hospice care and end-of-life services for Middle Tennessee, congratulates founders Dr. David Barton and the late Dr. John Flexner on being inducted into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame for their contributions as pioneers in hospice care. The ceremony will take place on October 15, 2019, at Belmont University.

Alive was founded in 1975 to provide loving care for people with life-threatening illnesses, support to their families, and service to the community in a spirit of enriching lives. It was the first hospice in the Southeast and the third in the country. At the time, there was little focus on end-of-life care for patients and their families. Thanks to pioneers like Dr. Barton and Dr. Flexner, hospice care is now the standard supported by Medicare.

Today, Alive continues to provide comfort and dignity for patients reaching the end of their lives and provides support for their loved ones. The organization goes above and beyond standard hospice care with on-staff doctors and two residences as well as services such as grief counseling for adults and children, free community education, financial support for patients, and training for health care professionals. Alive serves nearly 4,000 patients and family members each year and trains and supports a volunteer corps of 400. Approximately 90% of the care Alive provides takes place in our patients’ homes.

Dr. David Barton is a psychiatrist in Nashville, Tennessee, and a founder as well as the first Board President of Alive Hospice. He is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and an Adjunct professor of Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College.

Dr. John M. Flexner was also a founder and Board President of Alive. He was a Professor of Hematology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and a longtime researcher in immunological classifications and lymphomas.

Statement from Dr. Barton:

“John Flexner and I saw the need for a better way to bring comfort to patients and their families at the end of life. With a group of like-minded community members and health care providers, we established Alive. I feel deeply honored to be invited into the Health Care Hall of Fame.”

Learn more about The Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame

About Alive

Alive is the only nonprofit provider of hospice care and end-of-life services in Middle Tennessee. Its mission is to provide loving care for people with life-threatening illnesses, support to their families, and service to the community in a spirit of enriching lives. This includes in-home and in-patient hospice care, grief support, advance care planning, outreach, support to underserved communities, education, financial assistance, a comprehensive volunteer program, and professional training through the Alive Institute. A pioneer in the “good death” movement, Alive established the third hospice in the nation in 1975. Today, it remains true to its roots as an innovator and leader, helping individuals Adapt to Life Limiting Illnesses Very Effectively (ALIVE). To learn more or volunteer, visit AliveHospice.org or call 615-327-1085.