Our History

Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard (HMV) was founded in 1981 by Island residents who believed that people facing serious illness and the end of life deserved compassionate, skilled care close to home. From the beginning, the organization has been rooted in community—neighbors caring for neighbors—guided by the belief that no one should navigate serious illness, dying, or grief alone.

What began as a small, volunteer-driven effort operating out of a trailer behind Martha’s Vineyard Hospital has grown into a comprehensive hospice, palliative care, and grief support organization serving individuals and families across the Island, with a dedicated staff of more than 20 professionals.

Early on, HMV recognized that grief affects the entire community. The organization established grief and bereavement support services open to community members regardless of whether their loss was connected to a hospice patient.

In 2013, Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard moved its headquarters from the hospital trailer to an office overlooking Lagoon Pond at Tisbury Marketplace, purchased through a generous bequest from Katharine Graham.

For more than 40 years, HMV was one of the very few hospices in the United States to rely entirely on community philanthropy, operating without reimbursement from government health programs. As the Island’s population aged and community needs grew, HMV announced its intention in 2020 to seek Medicare certification in order to expand access to care.

Shortly thereafter, the organization added palliative care to its name and established a DBA as Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard (HPCMV), reflecting a commitment to supporting patients with serious illness who are not yet ready or eligible for Medicare hospice services.

In 2022, HPCMV achieved Medicare certification and accreditation through the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP), with no deficiencies cited. This milestone enabled the organization to increase both patient census and staffing. In 2023, HPCMV moved to a larger space at Woodland Center to accommodate continued growth.

Also in 2023, HPCMV launched a Children’s Bereavement Program, including specialized counselor training, school-based grief groups, and individual counseling for children and teens. In October 2024, the organization held its first annual Camp By The Sea, a one-day grief camp at Slough Farm for children experiencing significant loss and their families, which has become an annual offering. In 2026, we expanded our counseling office space to an additional office at Tisbury Marketplace, designed to easily convert to a children’s play therapy room or to accommodate groups of up to 10 people. 

Throughout its history, HPCMV has remained a nonprofit organization, relying on the generosity of donors to support non-Medicare-funded programs such as palliative care and community grief counseling for adults and children. The support of donors, dedication of volunteers, and strong partnerships with local healthcare providers and community organizations allow HPCMV to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care while honoring the unique character and needs of Martha’s Vineyard.